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Press
Releases - 1998
Roadside
API slightly improved
The Environmental
Protection Department forecasted this morning (Sunday) that
the roadside Air Pollution Index (API) today would be slightly
improved from yesterday's high, ranging from 90 to 105.
The Principal
Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Leung Pak-ming said:"The
high level background ozone, brought in by the northerly wind,
has persisted. Ozone has oxidised the nitric oxide emitted
from diesel vehicles into nitrogen dioxide.
"Since
the air at roadside is stable, the nitrogen dioxide has accumulated
and caused the API to continue exceeding 100 and stay in the
'very high' band."
Yesterday,
API hit 114 at Causeway Bay station and 105 at Central station.
"Persons
with existing heart or respiratory illnesses should reduce
physical exertion or better avoid staying at urban roads with
heavy traffic.
"Other
than roadside, we expect the API today for the general stations
to be between 55 to 70, same as what we forecasted yesterday.
It is not necessary for the general public to take special
precautionary action," Mr Leung said.
EPD will
issue at 4 pm the measured API for today and the forecast
for tomorrow (Monday).
Members
of the public can check the API readings on 2827 8541 or from
EPD's website at "http://www.info.gov.hk/epd/".
End/Sunday,
October 18, 1998
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