Greenpeace volunteers attach diffusion tubes to lamp posts in several districts in Hong Kong, including Wan Chai, Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, Yau Tsim Mong, and Ma On Shan (Sha Tin). The diffusion tubes are equipped with a chemical that shows how much nitrogen dioxide was in the air during the monitoring period.
This is the first citizen science based project organized by Greenpeace Hong Kong to monitor air quality and to increase public awareness on local emissions.
About 70% of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is produced locally by cars and ships. These emissions have become a huge threat to public health. For example, long-term exposure to NO2 may decrease the function of the respiratory system.
Greenpeace urges the Hong Kong government to implement measures to reduce air pollutants and emulate the emission limits set by the World Health Organization.