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Hong Kong chokes on pollution for second day
Posted by chowr (710 days ago)
Hong Kong chokes on pollution for second day
Sat Dec 08 04:16:51 UTC 2007
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong is shrouded in the worst air pollution of the year for the second day running on Saturday, with hills across Victoria harbor invisible despite a sunny dry weather.
Pollution monitoring station registered "very high" readings in several spots around the former British colony since Friday when the Environment Protection Department warned people with heart or lung problems to avoid outdoor activities.
Residents are increasingly worried over the rising number of smog-ridden days caused by the city's coal-fired power stations, cars and trucks, and a booming manufacturing sector across the border in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong.
The Air Pollution Index (API) surpassed 101, reaching what the department considers very high level at several places by mid-day after hitting 151 -- the highest level this year -- in the posh Central business district late on Friday.
The city, which on a rare clear day offers a stunning view of sparkling ocean, green mountains and skyscrapers, is choking on smogs as 190 countries meet in Bali to launch a new international deal to fight global warming.
CLP Holdings Ltd, the larger of Hong Kong's two power utilities often under attack by environmental groups, pledged on Friday it would cut the carbon intensity of its global power generation by 2050.
But Chan Ka-keung, CLP Group's director of renewable energy, told the South China Morning Post that it has yet to enact definite plans to achieve the aggressive goal.
(Reporting by Nao Nakanishi; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)
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By 2050, all HK residents will have already died from lung cancer and the city will be deserted by all its residents and tourists.
(I am based in Hong Kong)
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Posted by chowr (710 days ago)
There is no doubt that Hong Kong has a huge problem. Roadside pollution on an average day in the busiest parts of the city is several times the levels deemed acceptable by the World Health Organization.
Anthony Hedley, professor of community medicine at the University of Hong Kong and one of the report's authors, said there were few days in the year "where you could put your hand on your heart and say it's safe to breathe."
(I am based in Hong Kong)
Posted by chowr (709 days ago)
Pollutant Concentration in Microgrammes per Cubic Metre (i) Health Effects of Pollutant at Elevated Ambient Levels
Averaging Time
1hr
(ii) 8hrs
(iii) 24hrs
(iii) 3mths
(iv) 1yr
(iv)
Sulphur Dioxide 800 -- 350 -- 80 Respiratory illness; reduced lung function; morbidity and mortality rates increase at higher levels.
Total Suspended Particulates -- -- 260 -- 80 Respirable fraction has effects on health.
Respirable Suspended Particulates (v) -- -- 180 -- 55 Respiratory illness; reduced lung function; cancer risk for certain particles; morbidity and mortality rates increase at higher levels.
Nitrogen Dioxide 300 -- 150 -- 80 Respiratory irritation; increased susceptibility to respiratory infection; lung development impairment.
Carbon Monoxide 30000 10000 -- -- -- Impairment of co-ordination; deleterious to pregnant women and those with heart and circulatory conditions.
Photochemical Oxidants (as ozone) (vi) 240 -- -- -- -- Eye irritation; cough; reduced athletic performance; possible chromosome damage.
Lead -- -- -- 1.5 -- Affects cell and body processes; likely neuro-psychological effects, particularly in children; likely effects on rates of incidence of heart attacks, strokes and hypertension
(I am based in Hong Kong)
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