'Severe' air pollution hits parts of Hong Kong

Roadside air pollution soared to dangerous levels in Hong Kong on Monday as the territory was affected by a continental air stream with high content of pollutants. At noon, air pollution indices taken at roadside monitoring stations hit a “severe” level of 204 in Mong Kok and Central, and reached 144 in Causeway Bay.

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Poor air quality in Hong Kong is expected to last until Tuesday. Photo: David Wong

Published: 1:03pm, 15 Apr 2013Updated: 3:29pm, 27 Apr 2015

Roadside air pollution soared to dangerous levels in Hong Kong on Monday as the territory was affected by a continental air stream with high content of pollutants.

At noon, air pollution indices taken at roadside monitoring stations hit a “severe” level of 204 in Mong Kok and Central, and reached 144 in Causeway Bay.

An API reading exceeding 100 is classified as a “very high” pollution level. Health officials advise that people with heart or respiratory illnesses, the elderly and children reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities, and avoid prolonged stays in streets with heavy traffic.

Where the smog comes from and tips on how to survive it

The advice extends to healthy people among the general public as well when the reading hits the severe level of 200.

Monday’s poor air quality in Hong Kong was due to “a continental air stream with relatively high background air pollution” affecting the city, the Environmental Protection Department said.