HK, Guangdong release first air quality check
Foshan , a major base for the ceramics industry in the Pearl River Delta, was named its most polluted city in the first annual air monitoring report released by the Hong Kong and Guangdong governments yesterday.
Scientists said the annual data gives a clear picture of the distribution of pollution sources, but urged the Guangdong authorities to improve transparency by releasing more specific data on pollutant concentrations.
The first annual data shows Foshan, Zhuhai , Zhongshan and Guangzhou are cities where pollutant levels often exceed national air quality standards.
Of the four cities, air pollution in Foshan was the worst recorded last year. Its level of respirable suspended particulates failed to meet the national standard for 99 days, whereas sulfur dioxide levels exceeded the national standard for 62 days.
The two governments set up the Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network in 2005 to record air pollution trends for the region. Pollutants recorded include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and respirable suspended particles.
Of the network's 16 air monitoring stations set up in the delta, three are in Hong Kong at Tsuen Wan, Tap Mun and Tung Chung.