**********************************************
The general and roadside monitoring stations of the Environmental Protection Department have recorded a higher than normal pollution level. At 4pm today (June 14), the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at Tung Chung and Yuen Long reached 10+ while most other stations were at 8 or above. The health risk categories are from very high to serious.
A dry continental air stream is affecting the coast of Guangdong, the weather in Hong Kong is generally calm, dry and very hot, it favours the photochemical reactions and the accumulation of air pollutants like ozone in the Region. The light wind hinders the effective dispersion of air pollutants and the high level of ozone promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide, particularly at the street level.
According to the Observatory, there will be sunny intervals with a few showers, it is expected that the pollution levels would still be higher than normal in the next few days.
With an AQHI in the very high range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public are advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
Ends/Saturday, June 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:37
NNNN
