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Press
Releases - 1998
"Very
high" API forecasted
The Environmental
Protection Department today (Thursday) forecasted that the
Air Pollution Index (API) later today would reach 80 to 110
for the roadside stations, and 60 to 80 for the general ambient
stations.
When the
roadside API exceeds 100 and reaches the "very high"
band, people with heart or respiratory illnesses should avoid
prolonged stay in roads and streets with heavy traffic, Principal
Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Leung Pak-ming said.
"If
it is necessary to stay in such places, they should reduce
physical exertion as far as possible," he said.
However,
Mr Leung said there was no need for the general public to
take any special measure.
He said
that since the nitrogen dioxide in vehicle emissions, particularly
from diesel vehicles, was not dispersing sufficiently under
the very still wind conditions, air pollution at the urban
roadside with very heavy traffic and surrounded by high-rise
buildings has thus risen and reached the "very high"
band.
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/Thursday,
December 31, 1998
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