Health risk category for Air Quality Health Index may reach “Serious” level
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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recorded higher than normal air pollution levels since September 10. According to the EPD’s forecast, it is expected that the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some monitoring stations may reach the “Serious” health risk category later today (September 13). The air pollution levels are expected to remain higher in the next few days.
Under the influence of a dry continental airstream, the weather in Hong Kong today is fine and very hot, with light to moderate northerly winds, which is unfavourable for pollutant dispersion and results in a rising regional pollution level. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity leading to rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high ozone level also promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the weather will remain very hot with light winds over the coast of Guangdong in the next few days (September 14 to 18). The EPD expects that the regional pollution level affecting Hong Kong 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.