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Press
Releases - 1998
Very
High Roadside APIs recorded by EPD
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) today (Saturday) recorded a "very
high" roadside air pollution index (API) of 114 and 105 respectively
at the Causeway Bay and Central Roadside Air Quality Stations.
API was
also high at 89 at the Mongkok roadside station.
"The
high background level of ozone in the region has enhanced
the oxidation of nitric oxide emitted from motor vehicles
to form nitrogen dioxide. The accumulation of nitrogen dioxide
has led to a high air pollution level at roadsides," the Principal
Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Leung Pak-ming said.
"Persons
with existing heart or respiratory illnesses should reduce
physical exertion or better avoid staying at urban roads with
heavy traffic and surrounded by high rise buildings. It is
however not necessary for the general public to take special
precautionary action," he said.
APIs
were also high at the general air monitoring stations measuring
air quality other than at roadside, ranging from 58 to 72.
The API
forecast for tomorrow (Sunday) is 75 to 90 for the roadside,
and 55 to 70 for the general stations.
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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