Press
Releases - 1998
High
roadside API forecasted
The Environmental
Protection Department forecasted this (Friday) morning that
the Air Pollution Index (API) today would reach 85 to 110
for the roadside stations and 60 to 80 for the general ambient
stations.
"When
the roadside API exceeds 100 and reaches the 'very high' band,
people with heart or respiratory illnesses should avoid prolonged
stay in roads and streets with heavy traffic.
"If it
is necessary to stay in such places, they should reduce physical
exertion as far as possible," the Principal Environmental
Protection Officer, Mr Leung Pak-ming said.
"There
is, however, no need for the general public to take any special
measures," he added.
"Nitrogen
dioxide in vehicle emissions, particularly from diesel vehicles,
is not dispersing sufficiently under the very still wind conditions.
"Air
pollution at the urban roadside with very heavy traffic and
surrounded by high-rise buildings has reached the 'very high'
band," Mr Leung said.
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/Friday,
December 18, 1998
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