*******************************************************
A spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said today (August 28) that the Air Pollution Index (API) readings are expected to remain higher than normal today and in the coming few days due to poor dispersion of air pollutants under the light wind and high regional background pollution caused by strong photochemical smog formation.
At 11am today, the API at the Central, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok roadside stations were 147, 159 and 145 respectively, with nitrogen dioxide being the culprit pollutant. It is expected that ozone will rise in the afternoon due to active photochemical smog reaction and push up the API at the general stations.
The spokesperson said under the influence of a continental airstream, the weather in Hong Kong and the nearby Pearl River Delta region was fine and very hot with light wind. The intense sunshine and high temperature enhanced the photochemical smog activities and formation of ozone and the stagnant air hindered the dispersion of pollutants, resulting in high levels of background ozone in the region.
"The very high API readings at roadside were due to the trapping of local pollutants from motor vehicles under the light wind and poor dispersion in urban areas, coupled with high regional background air pollution," said the spokesperson.
"According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the weather will continue to be fine and very hot with light wind in the next few days. We expect that photochemical smog will still be active and that the dispersion in urban areas will remain poor. The general and roadside API are expected to stay higher than normal in the next few days," added the spokesperson.
The spokesperson advised that with an API in the very high range, people with heart or respiratory illnesses and the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities, and avoid prolonged stay in streets with heavy traffic.
The Education Bureau urged all schools to watch out for any changes in API in the next few days and to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities for all 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 from the EPD's website (www.epd-asg.gov.hk/eindex.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.
Ends/Sunday, August 28, 2011
Issued at HKT 13:29
NNNN