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"Very
high" Air Pollution Index forecasted
The Environmental
Protection Department today (Wednesday) forecasted that the
Air Pollution Index (API) later today would reach 95 to 110
for the roadside stations, and 55 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,"
Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Leung Pak-ming,
said.
"If
it is necessary to stay in such places, they should reduce
physical exertion as far as possible," he said.
"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 thus escalated and
reached the 'very high' band," Mr Leung explained.
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,
January 6, 1999
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