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Press
Releases - 1998
Low
wind pushing up roadside API
The Environmental
Protection Department (EPD) made a forecast at 11 am this
morning (Monday) that the roadside air pollution index (API)
value of today would be between 80 and 105.
"The
air pollution at busy roadsides today as represented by the
Causeway Bay Roadside Air Quality Monitoring Station would
be in the margin of the very high band, as the nitrogen dioxide
would not disperse quickly due to the rather stagnant wind
conditions," Principal Environmental Protection Officer Mr
Leung Pak-ming said.
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, with the forecast API ranging from
60 to 75.
"The
forecast pollution level should have no significant effect
on the general public. However, persons with 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 Leung added.
EPD will
monitor closely the situation and issue at 4 pm the measured
API for today and the forecast for tomorrow (Tuesday).
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/Monday,
November 9, 1998
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