Air quality deteriorates in Hong Kong

Pollution levels in Hong Kong are increasing, it has been reported.

According to the Earth Times, the region was "coated in dense smog" on Monday for the second say in a row.

Environmental officers warned the public against staying outside for too long, particularly those with existing heart conditions and respiratory illnesses.

"Air quality in Hong Kong has deteriorated significantly since the early 1990s, largely because of factory pollution blowing into the city from neighbouring industrial southern China," the publication noted.

Up to a million people are said to be considering leaving the city on account of the poor air quality.

Meanwhile, a new £5 million research facility has opened in London aimed at studying the effects of poor air quality and pollutants, such as traffic fumes and water byproducts, on vulnerable groups including children and the elderly.

The centre is jointly funded by the Medical Research Council and the UK's Health Protection Agency