Hong Kong smog hits top of the health risk scale, thanks to haze and low winds
Government urges schools to safeguard pupils’ lungs, as pollution approaches ‘Serious’ level for second time in five days
Air pollution in Hong Kong hit some of its worst levels on Monday, posing a serious risk to residents’ health for the second time in just five days.
The Environmental Protection Department reported that smog levels at a monitoring station reached 10+ on the Air Quality Health Index, corresponding to the “Serious” health risk level.
There are 13 general stations and three roadside stations across Hong Kong. By 3pm, all roadside monitoring stations and six general stations had recorded levels in the “Very High” and “Serious” risk ranges. The general station in Tung Chung was most choked, with a reading of 10+. The general station in Tuen Mun and roadside station in Causeway Bay had readings of 10.
That was only five days after the city got its most recent warning over breathing risks. Last Wednesday saw readings in the “Very High” range before noon and stations in Tung Chung and Tsuen Wan recorded “Serious” pollution.
The index, in place since the end of 2013, ranks health risks brought by air pollutants with five grades, from “Low” to “Serious”, with a scale running from one to 10 and 10+. “Very High” pollution refers to scores of eight to 10 while “Serious” means 10+.
When the index reaches the “Very High” range, the public is advised to reduce outdoor physical exertion. When it reaches “Serious” people should minimise their time outdoors.