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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) recorded very high Air Pollution Indices (API) at a number of air quality monitoring stations today (March 8) due to high concentration levels of nitrogen dioxide. At 8am today, the roadside air quality monitoring stations at Causeway Bay, Central and Mong Kok recorded API readings of 189, 177 and 132, while the general air quality stations in Central/Western and Kwun Tong recorded API readings of 109 and 107 respectively.
An EPD spokesman said that the weather was very stagnant over the past few days. Air pollutants emitted from pollution sources particularly motor vehicles could not disperse effectively, thereby pushing up the API readings.
"According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the weather will continue to be calm in the next few days. We expect that air dispersion will remain poor and the general and roadside API readings will remain at very high levels in the next couple of days," he added.
The spokesman advised that with an API at or above the "Very High" level, people with heart or respiratory illnesses, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities, and avoid prolonged stays in streets with heavy traffic. The public is also advised to take public transport instead of private transport as far as practicable.
The Education Bureau urged all schools to watch out for any changes in the API in the next couple of days and to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities for students to protect their health.
The Labour Department urged employers to assess the risks of outdoor work. Employees who feel unwell should inform their supervisors.
Members of the public can check the current API readings on the EPD website (www.epd-asg.gov.hk/eindex.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.
Ends/Friday, March 8, 2013
Issued at HKT 10:22
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