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"Very
high" API forecast for roadside and general stations
The Environmental
Protection Department today (Tuesday) forecast that the Air
Pollution Index (API) later today would reach 80 to 110 for
the roadside stations, and 55 to 105 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,"
acting Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Mr Yeung
Tseung-wing said.
"If
it is necessary to stay in such places, they should reduce
physical exertion as far as possible.
"When
the general ambient API exceeds 100 and reaches the 'very
high' band, people with existing heart or respirable illnesses
should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities,"
he said.
Mr Yeung
said: "Hong Kong was currently under the influence of
a temperature inversion in the lower atmosphere. This, combined
with the very still wind conditions, was causing pollutants
to be trapped in the lower atmosphere.
"Under
the prevalent conditions, nitrogen dioxide from vehicle emissions,
particularly from diesel vehicles, was not dispersing sufficiently
at urban roadside locations with very heavy traffic and surrounded
by high-rise buildings. Thus the roadside API was expected
to be in the 'very high' band.
"The
unfavourable meteorological conditions have also led to the
accumulation of respirable suspended particulates in the lower
atmosphere, of which diesel vehicles are again a major source.
Very high levels of respirable suspended particulates have
therefore been measured at some of the general air quality
monitoring stations, causing the API for some of the general
stations also to reach the 'very high' band," he said.
Members
of the public can check the API readings for different locations
on 2827 8541 or from EPD's website at http://www.info.gov.hk/epd/.
END/Tuesday,
January 19, 1999
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