Very high air pollution index will persist tomorrow

Press Release

Very high air pollution index will persist tomorrow

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) recorded very high Air Pollution Indices (API) of 116, 125 and 101 at the Tung Chung, Yuen Long and Central/Western stations respectively at 8am today (December 7) due to RSP concentrations, and all roadside stations exceeded the 100 API mark, with Central at 145 due to nitrogen dioxide.

A spokesman for the EPD said that the territory was being affected by a continental airstream with relatively high regional background air pollution. The wind was weak and prevailed from the north. The very high API readings were a result of the trapping of local pollution under the light wind coupled with the influence of regional air pollution.

"We expect that the regional background air pollution will continue to be high and that air dispersion will remain poor tomorrow. The general and roadside API readings are expected to remain at higher than normal levels," he added.

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.

People can check the latest hourly API readings for different locations on 2827 8541 or from EPD's website at http://www.epd-asg.gov.hk.


Ends/Friday, December 7, 2007