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"Very
high" roadside API forecast tomorrow
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) today (Monday) recorded "very
high" roadside air pollution indices (API) and forecast
that the air pollution level would remain high.
Up to 5 pm, the maximum API readings recorded at the roadside
air quality monitoring station at Central was 118.
The forecast
for tonight and tomorrow (Tuesday) is 90 to 120 for the roadside
stations, and 60 to 90 for the general air quality stations.
"Nitrogen
dioxide in vehicle emissions, particularly from diesel vehicles,
is not dispersing sufficiently under the very still wind conditions.
Air pollution at the urban roadside has thus escalated and
reached the 'very high' band," Principal Environmental
Protection Officer, Mr Leung Pak-ming said.
"Such
stagnant condition frequently occurs when a tropical cyclone
is located within 1,000 kilometres to the east or south-east
of Hong Kong," he added.
"We
expect that similar weather condition and air pollution will
remain tomorrow. Conditions will then improve sharply if the
tropical cyclone is closer to Hong Kong and the local wind
begins to pick up," Mr Leung said.
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/Monday,
September 13, 1999
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