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They will also assess the contribution of various causes and indoor sources, including human activities, building materials, office equipment and air conditioning ducts/units, to indoor air pollution.
"The consultants will then identify cost-effective mitigation measures for reducing indoor air pollution and its risks to public health," Mr Tse said.
He said improperly designed or maintained ventilation and air-conditioning systems in buildings with few openable windows allowed potential for air pollutants to recirculate and to build up their concentrations.
"If an indoor air pollution problem occurs, occupants might experience health problems including lethargy, stuffy or running nose, headache, eye and throat irritation and chest tightness, which are commonly termed as the 'Sick Building Syndrome'," he said.
"The World Health Organisation has suggested that potentially one-third of modern commercial buildings can be affected by indoor air pollution problem.
"Therefore we want to find out the extent of the indoor air pollution problem in Hong Kong and whether it is necessary to put it under some form of control," Mr Tse said.
The study is expected to complete by mid-1997.
End/Tuesday, September 26, 1995
Two language fund projects launched
The Education Department with the assistance of the British Council today (Tuesday) launched two English language improvement projects under the sponsorship of the Government's $300 million Language Fund.
The projects included the 60-hour Primary English Teachers Oral Proficiency courses for the school year 1995/96 and a 30-week Look Ahead Television English series to be broadcast on Cable TV.
Addressing a reception to mark the launch, the Deputy Director of Education, Miss Elaine Chung, underlined the importance of language as the key to communication and learning.