Hong Kong Faces Serious Air Pollution Levels, Health Risks Advisories Issued

Health risk category for Air Quality Health Index reached "Serious" level

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recorded higher than normal air pollution levels since this afternoon (January 27), and the health risk category of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at some air quality monitoring stations has reached the "Serious" level.

Winds are weak over Hong Kong this afternoon, which are unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity, leading to the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high ozone level also promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide.

According to the Hong Kong Observatory's forecast, under the influence of a strong easterly airstream, it will be mainly cloudy and windy over the coast of Guangdong later this week. It is expected that air quality will improve by then.

With a health risk category in the "Very High" range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public is advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from healthcare professionals. The public may visit the Centre for Health Protection's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.

The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students' health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows:www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html.

When the air quality health risk category is at the "Very High" level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees, such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At the "Serious" level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.

Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings on the EPD's website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html).

Source: AI-created image

Man sentenced to six months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products

A man was sentenced today (August 22) at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts to six months' imprisonment for illegally importing 33 800 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs on August 20 that 33 800 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from Japan. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.

Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 29 cases involving the importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Thirty-one persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four weeks to eight months.

According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.

In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visitwww.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.

Source: AI-found images