Highest level of hazardous ozone in two decades recorded in Hong Kong in 2018, despite overall improved air quality
- Warmer temperatures, combined with less cloud cover and rain, contributed to the rise, says the Environmental Protection Department
- Air quality improved last year, with the government planning to continue with emission reduction targets and increase use of clean fuel
Hong Kong got its highest average annual concentrations of hazardous ozone in nearly two decades last year, officials have said.
And people in Yuen Long, Tuen Mun and Tung Chung were breathing the unhealthiest air, according to air quality data released by the Environmental Protection Department on Friday.
This could be the result of weather conditions such as more sunshine, less cloud cover and rain, and slightly warmer temperatures.
These conditions made it more favourable for ozone – one of the most harmful types of air pollution, which can cause respiratory diseases – to form, which it does through chemical reactions, especially in sunlight.
Clocking in at 52 micrograms per cubic metre, the ozone figure was slightly up on 2017’s record high of 51mcg. Roadside levels also rose, from 23 mcg per cubic metre to 24 mcg per cubic metre.
And the department said a reduction in certain motor emissions could actually have worsened the ozone situation.
