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(c) whether the Government has carried out any research to gather data and information on indoor air quality and its associated health risks; if so, how many buildings are affected by indoor air pollutants, and how many occupants are put at health risk due to the presence of indoor air pollutants;

(d) whether any measures, apart from the publication of educational materials, have been adopted to prevent building-related illnesses (e.g. Legionnaires' disease) occurring; and

(e) whether any strategies or plans have been drawn up to improve indoor air quality; if so, what are the details?

Reply:

Mr President

(a) The most commonly found air pollutants in commercial and residential buildings include carbon dioxide, tobacco smoke, volatile organic compounds, microbes, radon gas, and air-borne particulates. The types of pollutants found in factories are setting specific, depending on the chemicals and processes employed. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of indoor air pollutants may have harmful effects on health. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke can lead to lung cancer while a microbe found in water-cooled air conditioning system can cause Legionnaires' Disease.

(b) Buildings in Hong Kong are designed to provide sufficient fresh air for each occupant. The Building (Planning) Regulation sets out the required standards of ventilation for office and residential buildings. The Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance requires adequate ventilation in factories and notifiable workplaces. The Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance also requires owners of public places such as restaurants and cinemas to design and operate their ventilation systems to ensure adequate circulation of fresh air. Offenders are liable to penalties such as fines and suspension of business licence.

(c) We have recently commissioned a consultancy study on indoor air pollution in offices and public places. When completed in mid 1997, the study will provide information for the assessment of the nature and extent of indoor air quality problems and the need for prevention and mitigation measures.