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Air quality report for October released
The Environmental Protection Department today (Friday) released air quality information for October, 1996.
Except on one occasion in the month, air quality levels in October were within the 24-hour air quality objectives (AQO) limits.
On October 3, the total suspended particulates concentration was 290 microgrammes per cubic metre at a roadside air quality monitoring station at Mong Kok. It was 12 percent higher than the AQO. The levels of respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide levels were also high, though not exceeding the relevant AQOS.
The report includes the monitoring results from Mong Kok, Central/Western and Kwai Chung, which respectively represent three important land use types in the territory:
locations close to road traffic in built-up areas,
combined commercial and residential districts, and
districts close to industrial areas.
Air pollutants reported include sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, total suspended particulates, and the respirable suspended particulates. All these pollutants can affect respiratory health in sufficient concentration.
Air pollution originated from various sources, including combustion, industrial and construction processes. In terms of impact on local air quality, motor vehicle exhaust is the most important source of nitrogen dioxide and airborne particulate matter, especially the smaller respirable particles.
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