Hong Kong clocks ‘very high’, ‘serious’ health risk readings from air pollution across city amid lack of strong winds

Hong Kong's environmental authorities have issued a warning about 'very high' or 'serious' health risks due to air pollution in certain parts of the city. They attribute this to the recent lack of strong winds which would normally disperse pollutants.

In Hong Kong, the severity of air pollution is measured using the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). This index uses a scale from 1 to 10, with an additional '10+' reading. These readings are categorized into low, moderate, high, very high and serious health risks. The Environmental Protection Department reported 'higher than normal' air pollution levels on Saturday. They gathered this data from 18 monitoring stations across the city. By 6pm, 11 of these stations indicated 'very high' health risks, with one station reporting a 'serious' reading.

The department predicts weak winds over the weekend, which is unfavorable for the dispersion of pollutants. They anticipate that the levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter will exceed normal levels. These are two types of air pollutants that can be harmful to health. However, the department expects the city's air quality to improve in the coming days due to a predicted northeastern monsoon which should bring windy weather. They have advised children, the elderly, and individuals with existing heart conditions or respiratory illnesses to avoid strenuous physical activity and to limit their outdoor activities in areas with 'very high' risk levels.