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Figures show 2003 will be the year of the haze

May Chan

Hong Kong has endured a hazy start to 2003, with air quality deteriorating last month, compared with December.

The worst day was January 14 when the air pollution index reached 140, exceeding the 128 recorded on the worst day in December, according to the Environmental Protection Department.

On 11 days last month the index passed 100, the level at which people with respiratory illnesses are advised to avoid places with heavy traffic.

New Year's Day was the cleanest day last month, with a roadside reading of 68, although this still meant it was graded 'highly polluted' by the department.

A total of 925 vehicles underwent exhaust emissions tests in January, and 335 failed.

Graphic: AIRC16GET

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