Talk of the town：Air quality in Hong Kong
【明報專訊】The dry continental airstream has brought sand and dust to Hong Kong, leading to poor air quality in Hong Kong and parts of Guangdong. The sky in Hong Kong has been covered by a thick smog, resulting in low visibility in places like Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. Specifically, air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone have been reported at higher levels in the atmosphere.
Family doctor Dr. Lam Wing Wo said that a few patients had sought medical attention from him due to respiratory illnesses. He reminded people with underlying health conditions to be cautious about the air pollution.
What is the Air Quality Health Index (空氣質素健康指數)？
Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is an air pollution index denoting different levels of health risk. It provides an estimate of the short-term risk of heart and respiratory disease from air pollution.
The AQHI is reported on a scale of 1 to 10 and 10+：(See the picture)
AQHI provides a reference for people with different degrees of susceptibility to air pollution, including people who are sensitive to air pollution, outdoor workers and the general public.
Common air pollutants in Hong Kong
The common air pollutants in Hong Kong include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, and lead. These air pollutants pose particular health risks to people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The main sources of air pollution in Hong Kong are emissions from motor vehicles and power plants. Hong Kong also experiences regional air pollution from human activities as part of the Pearl River Delta Region (珠江三角洲).
■Grammar booster
Serious
The word ''serious'' has many synonyms that show a similar feeling of importance or concern. For example, ''severe,'' ''critical,'' and ''grave'' suggest a high level of concern or danger.
E.g. The doctor said that the patient's condition is serious and requires immediate attention.
■Gear up
1. The higher the Air Quality Health Index, the better the air quality of Hong Kong. (True/False)
Fill in the blanks with the glossary below.
2. The heavy fog reduced _______ on the road, making driving dangerous.
3. The new regulation aims to cut down harmful ______ from industrial processes.
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
visibility (n) 能見度
underlying (adj) 潛在的
susceptibility (n) 易受影響
emission (n) 排放
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[Smarties' Power English 第442期]
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