Press Releases

"Very high" Air Pollution Index forecasted

The Environmental Protection Department today (Wednesday) forecasted that the Air Pollution Index (API) later today would reach 95 to 110 for the roadside stations, and 55 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.

"Nitrogen dioxide in vehicle emissions, particularly from diesel vehicles, is 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 escalated and reached the 'very high' band," Mr Leung explained.

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/Wednesday, January 6, 1999

 

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