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Press
Releases - 1998
Air
pollution index 'very high' for busy roadside
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) made a forecast at 11 am this
morning (Saturday) that the roadside air pollution index (API)
value of today would be between 85 and 105.
"The
air pollution at busy roadsides today as represented by the
Causeway Bay Roadside Air Quality Monitoring Station would
likely be in the margin of the very high band as the nitrogen
dioxide would not be dispersed quickly," said Mr Pang Sik-wing,
a Principal Environmental Protection Officer.
Very
high air pollution level would be localised and confined to
busy urban streets with very heavy traffic and surrounded
by high-rise buildings. The general air pollution level would
be in the "high" API band.
"We have
also observed a background ozone level brought to Hong Kong
by the prevailing easterly wind. It has enhanced the oxidation
of nitric oxide emitted from diesel vehicles into nitrogen
dioxide but the extent is less than last week," Mr Pang said.
"It is
not necessary for the general public to take special precautionary
action. However, persons with existing heart or respiratory
illnesses are advised to avoid prolonged stay in areas with
heavy traffic. If it is necessary to stay in these streets
or roads, they are advised to reduce physical exertion as
far as possible," Mr Pang added.
The EPD
will monitor closely the situation and issue at 4 pm the measured
API for today and the forecast for tomorrow (Sunday).
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,
October 3, 1998
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