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For an API value between 0 and 100, the air quality is good to moderate.
When the API is between 101 and 200, the air quality is unhealthy. The air quality is very unhealthy if the API exceeds 200. However, the air quality in Hong Kong is in general in the range of "good" and "moderate".
"During the unhealthy days, people already suffering from heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities," Mr Tse said.
"Days classified as 'very unhealthy' under the API system will be rare in Hong Kong. If, however, one were to occur then the general public would be advised to reduce the non-essential physical exertion and outdoor activities during the very unhealthy days."
To make it easier for the public to quickly identify the air pollution levels relevant to their particular location, the territory has been classified into three types of areas, urban, industrial and new development areas.
Urban area includes Central and Western, Wan Chai, Eastern, Kowloon City, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin and Yau Tsim Mong districts. Industrial area covers Kwun Tong, Kwai Tsing and Tsuen Wan districts while new development areas are the Islands, Southern, Sai Kung, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sha Tin, Tai Po and North districts.
"API readings will be reported for each of the three types of area which may have different air quality on the same day," said Mr Tse.
The API will be issued to the media everyday, except on Sundays and public holidays. Past measurements have shown that air pollution is usually low on these days. Forecasts of the API for the following day will be included in the daily report.
Members of the public can obtain the API by calling 2827 8541. Leaflets explaining the API system are now available at EPD offices.
The development work for the API is sponsored by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club.
End/Tuesday, May 9, 1995
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