High air pollution indices forecast for next couple of days

Press Release

High air pollution indices forecast for next couple of days

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) recorded very high Air Pollution Indices (API) at a few air quality monitoring stations today (February 29) due to nitrogen dioxide. At 4pm today, API readings of 141, 136, 112, 105 and 103 were recorded at the Causeway Bay, Central and Mong Kok roadside stations and Kwai Chung and Sham Shui Po general air quality stations respectively.

A spokesman for the EPD said that the territory was being affected by a continental airstream with relatively high regional background air pollution. The wind was weak and prevailed from the north. The very high API readings were a result of the trapping of local pollution under the light wind coupled with the influence of high regional background air pollution.

"We expect that the regional background air pollution will continue to be high and that air dispersion will remain poor in the next couple of days. The general and roadside API readings are expected to remain at higher than normal levels," he added.

With an API in the very high range, people with heart or respiratory illnesses should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities, and avoid prolonged stay in roads and streets with heavy traffic.

People can check the latest hourly API readings for different locations on 2827 8541 or from the EPD's website at www.epd-asg.gov.hk.


Ends/Friday, February 29, 2008