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Press
Releases - 1998
High
roadside APIs forecasted
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) forecasted this morning (Saturday)
that the roadside air pollution index (API) would be between
90 and 110 in the "high" to "very high" band.
"High
levels of nitrogen dioxide persisted over the night at the
Causeway Bay and Central roadside air monitoring stations,"
the Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Leung Pak-ming
said.
"Similar
to the event last month, the north wind has brought in a higher
background level of ozone, which has enhanced the oxidation
of nitrogen oxide emitted from motor vehicles to form nitrogen
dioxide.
"For
the remaining of the day, nitrogen dioxide levels will be
very high at urban roads with heavy traffic and surrounding
high rise buildings.
"Persons
with existing heart or respiratory illnesses should reduce
physical exertion or better avoid staying in such roads. It
is however not necessary for the general public to take special
precautionary action.
"The
APIs at the general stations measuring air quality other than
at roadside are expected to record APIs in the 'high' API
band, about 55 to 75," Mr Leung added.
To crack
down on air pollution, the Government yesterday launched a
consultation paper to replace diesel with LPG powered taxis,
seeking to further cut down vehicle emission.
EPD will
monitor the situation and issue at 4 pm a forecast for tomorrow
(Sunday).
Members
of the public can check the API readings on 2837 8541 or from
EPD's website at "http://www.info.gov.hk/epd/".
End/Saturday,
October 17, 1998
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