Chinese particle invasion
The Hong Kong government has been urged to formulate standards for fine particulate matter (fpm) in ambient air. A recent study reveals that fpm levels in Hong Kong are nearly four times higher than that permitted by us air quality standards. fpm comprises chemical particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter. They are emitted by gasoline and diesel vehicles and during the burning of coal and organic matter.
The study, funded by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department along with other agencies, was made public by Civic Exchange, a non-profit group. It measured levels of fpm and ground level ozone in Hong Kong and the neighbouring Chinese province of Guangdong. Guangdong recorded the highest fpm levels. "Hong Kong air is being seriously impacted by Guangdong,' said Michael Bergin, investigator for the study's fpm segment. The pollution is attributed to the manufacture of goods for China's export market. China has no fpm standards.