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SCMP Reporter

AIR pollution in Hong Kong hit a record high yesterday with conditions officially described as 'unhealthy' for the first time.

   Experts blamed recent fine weather in conjunction with high particle emissions from diesel vehicles as the air pollution index broke the 100 level for the first time since it was introduced seven months ago.

   The index rose to an average of 117 in urban areas, 120 in industrial areas and 104 in some new towns in the New Territories. The Environmental Protection Department also registered a reading of 129 at its only street-level monitoring station, in Mongkok Road.

  The readings measure the level of respirable suspended particulates - nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide - in the air.

  Their presence in high quantities can be dangerous for asthmatics and people with heart problems who are advised to remain indoors if levels break 100.

  Experts warned that yesterday's problem was only the tip of the iceberg, while environmentalists called for drastic actions to cut pollution from diesel vehicles.

 'A reason for the poorer air is an increased level of nitrogen dioxide. Emissions from diesel vehicles is a major source,' said principal environmental protection officer Tse Chin-wan.

  'The recent low wind speeds and stable atmosphere also help the accumulation of pollutants.'   Mr Tse said that at some periods early yesterday there was no wind at all over the territory.

  Dr Tso Wung-wai, senior lecturer in the Chinese University's Biochemistry Department, urged the Government to sub-divide the existing air quality index into separate dust and toxic pollutant categories.

  'The existing system only tells people that the air is dirty. A person will not be harmed just by dirty air, but they could be killed if they breathe too many toxic pollutants,' he said.

  His view was shared by the Conservancy Association and Friends of the Earth.

  Friends of the Earth co-ordinator Lisa Hopkinson said preventive measures were badly needed.

  'The Air Pollution Index is only an indication of how things are getting worse,' she said.

  'It demonstrates how urgent the situation is and the urgent need for drastic action to deal with pollution.'   Ms Hopkinson renewed calls for action to get rid of diesel as fuel. While petrol was also a pollutant, it did not emit as many particulates into the air as diesel oil.

  Last month, legislators voted down the Government's clean air strategy which would have compelled taxi and minibus drivers to switch their vehicles from diesel to petrol.

 The previous record of 90 was registered on November 11.

  But critics of the Environmental Protection Department's monitoring system have long complained that pollution levels were far higher than figures suggested because recordings were not taken at street level where concentrations were worst.

 As a result, the department announced yesterday it is to build five additional monitoring stations - including two at street level - at a cost of $12 million.

       The two roadside stations - in Causeway Bay and Central - would be in service by early 1997.

  The department predicts cleaner air today with the arrival of a northeast monsoon over the territory.

  The index is expected to be at about 80 in urban and industrial areas, and 70 in the New Territories.

  The Royal Observatory said today's weather was expected to remain fine with fresh easterly winds, ideal conditions, according to department experts, for blowing away accumulations of dust particles.



Pollution record leaves HK choking