Replies to LegCo questions

LCQ19: Air quality in markets

     Following is a question by the Hon Fred Li and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, in the Legislative Council today (May 19):

 

Question:

 

     It has been reported that a recent survey on the air quality of markets conducted by a research institute of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology found that the bacteria and suspended particulate levels in the ambient air around poultry stalls in markets were extremely high.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:

 

(a)  it conducted studies on the air quality of markets in the past three years; if so, of the results;

 

(b)  it will step up the cleaning work for the air-conditioning and ventilation systems in the markets under its management; and

 

(c)  it will consider installing independent ventilation systems for poultry stalls in the markets under its management to improve the air quality there?

 

Reply:

 

(a)  In 2003, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) engaged the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department to conduct air quality measurements in three air-conditioned public markets, namely the Ap Lei Chau Market, the Yee On Street Market and the Luen Wo Hui Market, for reference purpose.  The findings indicated that the concentration level of airborne bacteria in these markets, particularly in the live poultry stalls, was higher than that in offices and public places.  FEHD and relevant departments are examining measures to improve air quality in the public markets under its management, in particular the poultry sections, e.g. complete segregation of live poultry storage areas from the rest of the markets, more frequent cleansing of air filters of the air-conditioning (A/C) systems.

 

(b)  Most of the A/C systems in the FEHD public markets are equipped with disinfection units and filters to disinfect and remove particulate matters, dust and odour from the recirculated air.  In the light of the findings of the studies, we have in addition to the regular maintenance programme made arrangements for stepping up the frequency of cleansing of filters of the A/C and ventilation systems in all FEHD markets to ensure that they all function properly.

 

(c)  Physical segregation of the poultry sections with reduction in the number of live poultry is an effective means to improve the air quality.  In all new air-conditioned public markets operated by FEHD, the poultry sections have been and will continue to be segregated from other parts of the markets and provided with separate A/C system.  Similar measures will be introduced for the poultry sections of all FEHD markets to be retro-fitted with A/C systems.  In the FEHD markets without A/C systems, difficulties are envisaged unless the number of live poultry stalls in most markets can be reduced to allow sufficient space for introducing the new measures.

 

Ends/Wednesday, May 19, 2004

NNNN