Pollution reaches severe stage in Hong Kong

It’s the third time this year that pollution has reached peak levels.

The Environment Protection Department said the Air Pollution Index reached 203 at both the Central Business District and the Mong Kok roadside monitoring station at 11:00 a.m. yesterday. The index last last reached this level in March.

The index ranges from zero to 500, with any reading from 201 ranked as the highest level.

EPD said the severe air pollution incident was caused by the trapping of pollutants. The severe air pollution index triggered a government warning.

EPD noted, however, hat air quality will start to improve gradually later today after the wind picks up. It said the public should avoid prolonged stays in areas with heavy traffic and reduce physical exertion.

Poor air quality is among the reasons preventing companies from setting up regional headquarters in Hong Kong.