AIR pollution soared late last month to unhealthy levels in some areas, exceeding the Government's targets for safe air.
Pollution and stagnant weather conditions combined to concentrate the dirty air and push levels close to or past the Environmental Protection Department's (EPD) health-based targets.
The worst increase was seen in nitrogen dioxide, which can make people more vulnerable to respiratory infections, irritate the lungs and impair lung development.
Children, the elderly, asthmatics and those doing heavy exercise are most susceptible to the health effects, according to Friends of the Earth's campaigns co-ordinator, Lisa Hopkinson.
The EPD aims that people be exposed to no more than 150 micrograms of nitrogen dioxide over 24 hours, and no more than 80 micrograms on average over one year. But last month the level was 161 micrograms from May 27 to 29 at Mongkok, where the EPD has itsonly street-level station for monitoring air quality.
Nitrogen dioxide levels also increased at the Central, Western and Kwai Chung stations, but were within the 150-microgram maximum.
