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Very
high Air Pollution Index to prevail
The Environmental
Protection Department today (Thursday) recorded a roadside
Air Pollution Index (API) of 104 at the Central air quality
monitoring station.
Another roadside station at Causeway Bay recorded an API of
96 and the one at Mong Kok recorded 95.
For the
general ambient stations, the APIs ranged from 57 to 99.
"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.
"Nitrogen
dioxide in vehicle emissions, particularly that from diesel
vehicles, is not dispersing sufficiently at the urban roadside
with very heavy traffic and surrounded by high-rise buildings.
Air pollution has thus escalated and reached the 'very high'
band," he said.
Mr Leung
said the situation was expected to worsen tomorrow (Friday)
before it gets better, and the general APIs would likely be
exceeding 100.
"The
API forecast for tomorrow is 60 to 105 for the general air
quality stations and 90 to 110 for the roadside air quality
stations.
"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.
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/Thursday,
January 28, 1999
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