A key research on air fine particulate pollution and health led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s (PolyU) Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Dean of Faculty of Construction and Environment, has won a HK$44.5 million funding in the Theme-based Research Scheme 2022/23 (Twelfth Round) of the Research Grants Council (RGC).

The project, titled “Unravelling the Black Box between Air Pollution and Public Health for Transformative Air Quality Management”, seeks to identify the toxic components and emissions sources that contribute to the acute toxicity of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) which aggravate two index diseases of the pulmonary and cardiovascular system, namely chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease.

Based on solid evidence yielded, the study will recommend effective, practical and cost-effective approaches to manage air quality and public health in Hong Kong (HK) and around the world.

Prof. Xiang-dong Li, who is also Chair Professor of Environmental Science and Technology, Ko Jan Ming Professor in Sustainable Urban Development, and Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development, said, “The completion of the planned project may lead to a revision of the Air Quality Health Index algorithm and the associated 'Health Advice', and a review and updates of the Air Quality Objectives in Hong Kong. The findings will also be conveyed to other national and international bodies to influence future policy formulations on air quality in different parts of the world.”