Society

Mainland sandstorm fuels record pollution in Macao

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-23 17:02

MACAO - Air pollution in Macao soared to record level as officials warned of more severe air quality situation Tuesday due to a massive sandstorm over the northern swathes of the mainland, the local Macao Post Daily reported.

The newspaper quoted a statement released late last night by the Macao Health Bureau (SSM) as saying that the local air quality situation Monday was "very unhealthy." It recommended that residents reduce their physical efforts to a minimum and avoid open-air activities.

According to SSM, an air quality index (AQI) level from 201 to 300 is "very unhealthy," while a level ranging between 301 to 400 is "dangerous." A level from 401 to 500 is "very dangerous."

Monday's AQI ranged between 183 in Coloane and 228 in the Macao Pennisula, a level described by the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) as a "record AQI level" for Macao.

According to SMG, Macao's air quality for Tuesday will be "very bad to severe", with AQI predicted to range between 290 to 320. However, the situation is expected to improve Wednesday as sandstorm becomes to fade.