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Published: 14:16, June 01, 2023
EPD alerts HK residents on 'serious' air pollution levels
By Wang Zhan
Published:14:16, June 01, 2023 By Wang Zhan

A pedestrian covers herself from the heat of the sun in Tsim Sha Tsui, south China's Hong Kong on May 30, 2023. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The health risk posed by air pollution in some parts of Hong Kong reached “serious” levels on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Environmental Protection Department.

The EPD's Tung Chung general monitoring station recorded air pollution levels reaching the "Serious" health risk category under the Air Quality Health Index at 4 pm on Wednesday. 

The Environmental Protection Department said it expected air pollution levels to remain higher than normal until early next week

The EPD added that it expected air pollution levels to remain higher than normal until early next week.

“The weather is extremely hot and generally fine, leading to rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. Light winds are also unfavorable for pollutant dispersion, the EPD said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

With a health risk category 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. 

ALSO READ: HK sees improved air quality in 2022

The general public are also advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic.    

At the "Serious" level, employers of all outdoor workers should assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, the EPD said. 

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Observatory and the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) renewed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday at the 19th World Meteorological Congress in Geneva, Switzerland to further strengthen meteorological collaboration. 

“The HKO and the TMD have a long history of cooperation. The renewal of the MOU further fortifies the connections between the two organizations and propels various collaborations in meteorological science and technology,” said Director of the HKO Chan Pak-wai.

READ MORE: Air pollution: HK residents warned of 'serious heath risk'

 “I am confident that the synergy of the collaboration will enable us to better cope with the challenges of climate change and various weather hazards."

 


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