XN000022-1996-05-15 — Page 13

- 12 -

The reported air pollutants include sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), total suspended particulates (TSP) which comprise all sizes of dust particles, and the respirable fraction of the dust (RSP). All these pollutants can affect respiratory health in sufficient concentration.

In April, there was no exceedance of the 24-hour Air Quality Objective (AQO) values at any of three stations. And as usual, the Mong Kok station recorded the highest concentrations of all measured air pollutants.

SO2 is

The gases and particles described originated from various sources. mostly produced when fuels that contain sulphur are burned. NO2 is formed during combustion by the combination of nitrogen and oxygen, and by the atmospheric oxidation of nitric oxide (NO), also a product of combustion.

Vehicle exhaust is an important source of NO and NO2 in terms of impact on local air quality. It is also a major source of airborne particulate matter, especially the smaller respirable particles.

Diesel-engined vehicles such as taxis, public light buses, passenger coaches, franchised buses and light and heavy goods vehicles are the greatest contributor of particulate matter. Other sources include industry, furnaces and boilers, construction activities, the sea and the soil.

It is worth noting that while the weather and climate always affect the concentrations of pollutants in the air, the only sure way of reducing the levels is to reduce emissions from the man-made sources.

End

Hong Kong Monetary Authority money market operations

Cumulative

Time

$ million (hours)

change ($million)

Opening balance in the account

2,022

0930

-61

Closing balance in the account

1,992

1000

-64

Change attributable to:

1100

-62

Money market activity

-60

1200

-60

LAF today

+30

1500

-60

1600

-60

LAF rate 4.00% bid/6.00% offer TWI 123.8 +0.2* 15.5.96