Air quality in Hong Kong reaches 'dangerous levels'

The air quality in Hong Kong deteriorated to life-threatening levels on a regular basis in 2009, according to AFP.

Citing a report in the South China Morning Post, the news provider reported that there were 44 days last year when "very high pollution" was recorded in the city's central district.

These statistics were taken from the roadside air pollution index, which was released by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD).

Pollution levels are classed as "very high" when the index exceeds 100. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, sore throats and irritation to eyes in healthy people and can exacerbate the symptoms of those suffering from respiratory or heart illness, the news service explained.

A team of scientists from the Hong Kong University told AFP that their own research had revealed flaws in the government's data.

Chak Chan, team leader and acting head of the environment division at the university, said: "From the findings of our study, we can logically deduce that the number of very high pollution days would be more than the [government's] figure."

According to the EPD, diesel vehicles are a major cause of street-level pollution while the smog results from a combination of emissions from cars, industry and power plants both in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region.

Posted by Joseph Hutton