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"Very
high" general and roadside API to persist
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) today (Friday) recorded "very
high" air pollution indices (API).
Up to 6 pm, the maximum API readings recorded at six general
air quality monitoring stations at Central/Western, Kwai Chung,
Kwun Tong, Sha Tin, Tap Mun and Tung Chung were 115, 103,
123, 134, 133 and 159 respectively.
At the
three roadside stations at Mong Kok, Central and Causeway
Bay, maximum API readings ranged from 110 to 125.
For the
rest stations, the maximum API readings recorded ranged from
73 to 90.
"There
is a typhoon being formed at about 490 kilometres east-southeast
of Dongsha. The atmosphere has become very calm and stagnant.
Pollutants emitted from vehicles and other sources are not
dispersing," Acting Principal Environmental Protection
Officer, Mr Moman Yeung said.
"The
air pollution experienced at outer stations such as Tung Chung,
Sha Tin and Tap Mun were due to ozone which was formed under
strong sunlight.
"At
the urban area, nitrogen dioxide emitted from motor vehicles,
particularly the diesel vehicles was the main cause.
"The
weather forecast for tomorrow (Saturday) is fine with some
haze at first. There will be a few isolated thunderstorms
later during the day. Therefore we expect that the situation
will persist until the wind picks up later tomorrow,"
he said.
The forecast
for tonight and tomorrow is 80 to 105 for the roadside and
70 to 105 for the general air quality stations.
With an
API in the very high range, people with heart or respiratory
illnesses should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities,
and avoid prolonged stay in roads and streets with heavy traffic.
Members
of the public can check the latest hourly API readings for
different locations on 2827 8541 or from EPD's website at
http://www.info.gov.hk/epd/.
End/Friday,
August 20, 1999
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