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High air pollution index recorded today
A high air pollution index (API) of 101 is recorded at Yuen Long today (Tuesday). The APIs for the rest of Hong Kong are below 100, with 96 for the industrial area and 88 for the urban area.
The Principal Environmental Protection Officer of the Environmental Protection Department, Mr Pang Sik-wing, explained that today's poor air quality was due to high nitrogen dioxide levels.
"Air pollutants accumulated because of the persistence of light wind condition over the night and the temperature inversion effect. Subsequently nitrogen dioxide was formed from chemical reactions among the pollutants," he said.
"When the wind becomes stronger later in the day, the air pollution will reduce," he added.
He pointed out that the concentration was higher in Yuen Long because more pollutants had been accumulated in the Deep Bay area due to the stronger inversion effect over the inland.
Mr Pang said that the current air quality condition should have little health effect on normal people.
"When the API exceeds 100, people already suffering from asthma, lung or heart illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and laborious outdoor activities," he said.
The API forecast for the territory tomorrow (Wednesday) is 75 for the urban area, 80 for the industrial arca and 85 for the new development area.
Members of the public can check the API readings on 2827 8541.
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