|
Press
Releases - 1998
High
roadside APIs forecasted
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) forecasted this morning (Wednesday)
that the roadside air pollution index (API) today would be
between 90 and 110 in the "high" to "very high" band.
"Low
wind persisted over the night. High levels of nitrogen dioxide
are being recorded at the Causeway Bay and Mong Kok roadside
air monitoring stations," Principal Environmental Protection
Officer Mr Leung Pak-ming said.
"The
background ozone has also risen to higher than usual level,
which is enhancing the oxidation of nitrogen oxide emitted
from motor vehicles to form nitrogen dioxide.
"Persons
with heart or respiratory illnesses should reduce physical
exertion or avoid staying at roads with heavy traffic. It
is however not necessary for the general public to take special
precautionary action," he said.
"The
API at the general stations measuring air quality other than
at roadside are expected to record APIs in the 'high' API
band, about 75 to 85," Mr Leung added.
EPD will
monitor the situation and issue at 4 pm a forecast for tomorrow
(Thursday).
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/Wednesday,
November 11, 1998
|
