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API
expected to improve tomorrow
Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) today (Saturday) recorded "very
high" Air Pollution Indices (API).
Up to 12 pm, the maximum API readings recorded at three general
air quality monitoring stations at Kwai Chung, Kwun Tong and
Sham Shui Po were 109, 133 and 102 respectively.
At the
three roadside stations at Mong Kok, Central and Causeway
Bay, maximum API readings ranged from 127 to 133.
For the
rest of the stations, the maximum API readings recorded ranged
from 76 to 99.
"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,"
Acting Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Momen
Yeung, said.
Mr Yeung
explained that nitrogen dioxide, which was mainly emitted
by diesel vehicles, was not dispersing sufficiently.
"Air
pollution has thus escalated and reached the 'very high' band,"
he said.
"The
weather forecast for today (Saturday) is very hot and hazy
at first, but there will be isolated squally thunderstorms
towards the evening. Therefore we expect that the situation
will persist until later today.
"As
for tomorrow (Sunday), the weather forecast is mainly cloudy
with occasional squally showers. We therefore expect that
the API level will drop below 100 tomorrow," Mr Yeung
said.
The API
forecast for tomorrow (Sunday) will be released at 4 pm today.
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/Saturday,
August 21, 1999
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