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Very
high Air Pollution Index forecast for today
The Environmental
Protection Department today (Thursday) forecast that the Air
Pollution Index (API) later today would reach 90 to 105 for
the roadside stations, and 55 to 105 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.
"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.
"Nitrogen
dioxide in vehicle emissions, particularly from diesel vehicles,
is not dispersing sufficiently under the very still wind conditions.
Air pollution over Hong Kong has thus escalated and reached
the 'very high' band," Mr Leung said.
Members
of the public can check the API readings for different locations
on 2827 8541 or from EPD's web site at http://www.info.gov.hk/epd/.
End/Thursday,
January 28, 1999
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