|
Air
Pollution Index (API)
Advice
to Public
Health
effects from air pollution come about due to a combination
of the concentration of the air pollutants and the amount
of time you are exposed to the air pollution. Brief exposure
to moderately high pollution levels will normally not lead
to any significant problem. For most of us, therefore, the
general API is more relevant as it represents the air pollution
that we shall be exposed to for most of the time. For the
Roadside API, although it is naturally higher on a given day
due to the close proximity to vehicle emission sources, it
is less relevant as we often spend only quite short periods
of the day in busy streets and roads. It will be of more interest
to those who spend several hours each day close to busy roads.
The suggested
precautionary actions are summarised below:
|
Air
Pollution Level
|
API
|
Advice
to Public
|
|
General
API
|
Roadside
API
|
| Severe |
a |
201-500 |
The
general public are advised to reduce physical exertion
and outdoor activities |
The
general public are advised to avoid prolonged stay in
areas with heavy traffic. If it is necessary to stay in
streets or roads with heavy traffic, they are advised
to reduce physical exertion as far as possible. |
| Very
High |
f |
101-200 |
Persons
with existing heart or respiratory illnesses (such as
coronary heart and cardiovascular diseases, asthma, chronic
bronchitis and chronic obstructive airways diseases)are
advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities |
Persons
with existing heart or respiratory illnesses (such as
coronary heart and cardiovascular diseases, asthma, chronic
bronchitis and chronic obstructive airways diseases) are
advised to avoid prolonged stay in areas with heavy traffic.
If it is necessary to stay in streets or roads with heavy
traffic, they are advised to reduce physical exertion
as far as possible. |
| High |
a |
51-100 |
No
immediate response action is suggested --
Long-term effects may, however, be observed if exposed
at this level persistently for months or years
|
| Medium |
a |
26-50 |
No
response action is required. |
| Low |
a |
0-25 |
No
response action is required. |
As the
health effects on individuals may vary, you should seek advice
from a medical doctor if you are in doubt or feel uncomfortable.
If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking now!
Health
Effects
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