Hong Kong – Health risk category for Air Quality Health Index may reach “Serious” level

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recorded higher than normal air pollution since yesterday (September 11). According to the EPD’s forecast, it is expected that the AQHI at some general and roadside air quality monitoring stations may reach the “Serious” level later in the afternoon, and the air pollution levels are expected to remain higher in the next two days.

     Under the influence of the subsiding air of Tropical Cyclone Chanthu, the weather in Hong Kong is very hot, with moderate westerly winds today, which is bringing an airstream with high regional ozone and particulate background pollutant concentrations and is unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity and the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high level of ozone has promoted the formation of nitrogen dioxide.

     According to the Hong Kong Observatory, winds are expected to be light over the coast of Guangdong early to midweek this week. It is expected that the air pollution level will remain higher than normal until the advent of stronger wind.

     With a health risk category in the “Very High” or “Serious” levels, 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 is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time staying outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from health-care professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.

     The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB’s website for appropriate measures to safeguard students’ health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows:
www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.
 
     When the AQHI is at the “Very High” level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the “Serious” level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.

     Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings at the EPD’s website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.