- 6 -
Air quality report for December 1996 released
The Environmental Protection Department today (Wednesday) released air quality information for December 1996.
There was one violation of the total suspended particulates 24-hour air quality objectives at the Mong Kok roadside air monitoring station on December 17, 1996.
tr
"The nitrogen dioxide and respirable suspended particulates levels were high in the territory on that day. The Air Pollution Indices of the day ranged from 88 to 101," Principal Environment Protection Officer (Air Service), Mr Pang Sik-wing, said.
He said the high level of air pollution was caused by accumulation and chemical reaction of emissions from motor vehicles under calm wind and stagnant weather conditions.
The December report includes the monitoring results from Mong Kok, Central/Western and Kwai Chung, which represent three important land use types in the territory:
locations close to road traffic in built-up urban areas;
combined commercial and residential districts; and
districts close to industrial areas.
Air pollutants reported include sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, totai suspended particulates and respirable suspended particulates. All these pollutants can affect respiratory health in sufficient concentration.
Air pollution originates 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.
End