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January 3rd, 2014:

SCMP: A welcome move to clear the air

from the SCMP Editorial:

Smoggy days are far less common in Hong Kong than on the mainland. As we gaze above this time of year, we are more likely to see a magnificent skyline across clear blue sky than silhouettes shrouded in smog. Unfortunately, pollution knows no boundaries. Our proximity to the manufacturing powerhouse in the Pearl River Delta means we are not shielded from emissions. Experience has shown that hazardous smog does choke the city from time to time during winter. It would be wrong to assume filthy air was only confined to the mainland. The health threat of polluting air cannot be ignored.

It is good that our much-criticised air pollution index will be replaced by a new scale later this month. Introduced nearly 20 years ago, the old index shows the concentrations of pollutants in the air but tells little about the harmful effect to health. The new index is based on health risks, relating pollutant levels to short-term health risks on a scale of 1 to 10+. It also issues alerts via smartphones and provides health advice for people with various degrees of susceptibility.

Air pollution is a life-and-death issue. But the government has made little effort to put the health and economic impacts into perspective. The use of air quality standards that are less stringent than those recommended by the World Health Organisation has also led to criticism that pollution is far worse than reported. The revamp is a belated but welcome step to link pollution with public health. It provides a more meaningful reference to the community.

Officials admit that the tighter standards used in the new index might result in more days classified as bad for health. But they stress it does not necessarily mean the city’s air quality is deteriorating. Given the growing concerns about polluted air, it is not surprising that officials play down the severity of the problem. But if health alerts become more regular under the new system, the public are entitled to ask for more safeguards. Hopefully, it can instil a greater sense of urgency on the authorities to clean up the air.

23 Dec 2013

SCMP: Average hours of unhealthy air in Hong Kong up on last year

from Ernest Kao of the SCMP:

Hong Kongers endured an average of 2,727 hours of unhealthy air this year, surpassing last year’s figure with a week to spare.

The Post examined hourly air pollution index (API) data from the Environmental Protection Department’s 11 general air quality monitoring stations and three roadside stations.

From January 1 to December 21, the average number of hours of high, very high or severe air pollution recorded by each general monitoring station rose 7.6 per cent from last year’s 2,534.

The API measures concentrations of major air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and respirable suspended particulates in a range of 0 to 500. Readings above 51 are "high" - acceptable in the short term but beyond long-term health standards. "Very high" is above 100, indicating air that is unhealthy in both the short term and the long term. "Severe" readings are above 200. (SCMP)

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