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High
API recorded at roadside and general stations
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) today (Tuesday) recorded a roadside
Air Pollution Index (API) of 118 at the Causeway Bay air quality
monitoring station and 112 at the Central station.
This is the fourth consecutive day that EPD recorded a very
high API exceeding 100 at roadside.
Another
roadside station at Mong Kok recorded 93.
For the
general ambient stations, the APIs ranged from 58 to 115,
with Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long stations exceeding 100 and measured
at 111 and 115 respectively.
"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," acting
Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Yeung Tseung-wing
said.
"If
it is necessary to stay in such places, they should reduce
physical exertion as far as possible."
"When
the general ambient API exceeds 100 and reaches the 'very
high' band, people with existing heart or respiratory illnesses
should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities,"
he said.
Mr Yeung
said: "Hong Kong was currently under the influence of
a temperature inversion in the lower atmosphere. This, combined
with the very still wind conditions, was causing pollutants
to be trapped in the lower atmosphere."
"Under
the prevalent conditions, nitrogen dioxide from vehicle emissions,
particularly from diesel vehicles, was not dispersing sufficiently
at urban roadside locations with very heavy traffic and surrounded
by high-rise buildings, leading to the 'very high' roadside
API."
"The
unfavourable meteorological conditions have also led to the
accumulation of respirable suspended particulates in the lower
atmosphere, of which diesel vehicles are again a major source.
Very high levels of respirable suspended particulates have
therefore been measured at some of the general air quality
monitoring stations, causing the API for some of the general
stations to reach the 'very high' band."
Mr Yeung
said: "The general air quality is expected to improve
tomorrow (Wednesday) when the northeasterly wind is forecast
to pick up a bit. However, the situation at the roadside would
probably remain about the same."
"The
API forecast for tomorrow is 55 to 90 for the general air
quality stations and 80 to 105 for the roadside air quality
stations."
Members
of the public can check the API readings for different locations
on 2827 8541 or from EPD's website at http://www.info.gov.hk/epd/.
END/Tuesday,
January 19, 1999
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