Air quality reaches most severe ‘serious’ risk level in parts of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Free Press
Hong Kong has warned that the air quality in certain parts of the city will reach a “serious” risk level – the most severe category – on Monday.
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said in a statement on Monday afternoon that it had recorded “higher-than-normal air pollution levels in some areas since last Thursday afternoon.”
As of 4 pm on Monday, the government’s Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) was showing “very high” to serious levels of pollutants, with the air quality in Central and Western District reaching the highest category of serious.
When a very high AQHI is recorded, children, seniors and people with heart or respiratory conditions are advised to reduce their physical exertion and keep outdoor activities to a minimum, or avoid them altogether.
The general public are advised to avoid staying outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
When air quality reaches a serious risk 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,” according to the EPD.
The PM2.5 concentration on Monday afternoon was 7.2 times the World Health Organisation annual air quality guideline value, according to Swiss air quality platform IQAir. PM2.5 refers to inhalable particulate matter that is more likely to end up in the deeper parts of the lung, leading to adverse health effects.
Super Typhoon Krathon came within 800 kilometres of the city earlier on Monday. Under the influence of its outer subsiding air, the weather was fine and very hot with moderate north-westerly winds.
The EPD described the conditions as “unfavourable for pollutant dispersion,” while “intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity, leading to the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates,” which in turn promote the formulation of nitrogen dioxide.
Winds were forecast to pick up mid-week, with the EPD saying: “It is expected that air quality will improve by then.”
Krathon is forecast to track northwards and make landfall on Wednesday, maintaining a distance of 500 kilometres from Hong Kong but bringing very hot weather to the city.
The Hong Kong Observatory said it would consider issuing a Strong Monsoon Signal depending on changes in local wind conditions.
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