|
EPD
responses to report on MTR air quality
In response
to a Chinese newspaper report today (Friday) that a study
commissioned by the Environmental Protection Department had
found poor air quality in the MTR stations and train compartments,
Dr Alain Lam, Acting Principal Environmental Protection Officer
of EPD said the article was misleading and did not reflect
the true findings of the study.
Dr Lam said an independent consultant was commissioned by
EPD in 1996 to conduct a study for indoor air pollution in
offices and public places in Hong Kong.
On air
quality in MTR stations, Dr Lam explained, there were different
air quality standards for different places and different uses.
"For
underground railways, there were air quality guidelines in
the USA and the study found that the measured air quality
in MTR was in general in compliance," he said.
The overall
conclusion of the study with respect to air quality in MTR
is as follows:
"The
MTRC monitoring results showed acceptable Indoor Air Quality
at the concourses and platforms under very crowded conditions.
"Carbon
dioxide inside train compartments during peak-hour period
was the only indoor air contaminant that exceeded the comfort-based
level. However, the levels recorded are comparable with the
USA subway guidelines.
"Public's
exposure is limited as the maximum travel time on the MTR
is only 1-2 hours per day. The crowded situation of MTR during
peak hours is likely to persist and it is understood that
the MTRC management is working hard in improving the situation,
with the priority of dealing with under emergency situations
where full load of trains may be trapped for extensive periods."
End/Friday,
January 15, 1999
|
