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Press
Releases - 1998
API
"very high" for busy roadside
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) today (Saturday) recorded a "very
high" roadside air pollution index (API) of 102 at Causeway
Bay Roadside Air Quality Station.
"The
background ozone brought to Hong Kong by the prevailing easterly
wind has enhanced the oxidation of nitric oxide emitted from
diesel vehicles into nitrogen dioxide. Since the pollutant
was not dispersed quickly, the air pollution level has remained
marginally 'very high'' today," the Principal Environmental
Protection Officer, Mr Pang Sik-wing said.
The very
high pollution level was localised and confined to busy urban
streets with very heavy traffic and surrounded by high-rise
buildings represented by the Causeway Bay Roadside Air Quality
Station. The general air pollution level was in the "high"
API band.
A roadside
API exceeding 100 indicates that the air quality close to
vehicle emission sources in busy streets and roads is unhealthy.
"It is
less relevant to the public as they spend only a short period
of time in roads and streets. Special precautionary action
is therefore in general not necessary.
"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 minimise physical exercise, especially energetic or laborious
outdoor activities," Mr Pang said.
The index
recorded at the Mong Kok Roadside Station, which represents
the air quality at roadside with less heavy traffic and less
tall buildings in the vicinity, was 86.
The APIs
for the eight general air quality stations were "high", ranging
from 69 to 76.
The API
forecast for tomorrow (Sunday) is 55 to 70 for the general
air quality stations and 70 to 85 for the roadside air quality
stations.
Members
of the public can check the API readings on 28278541 or from
EPD's website at http://www.info.gov.hk/epd/.
End/Saturday,
October 3, 1998
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