The Hong King government is determined to do something about the increasing levels of pollution – as announced Tuesday, a new set of air quality targets are being drawn up.

Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department has announced a comprehensive study that will outline a new set of air quality targets as well as long-term plans to reduce the smog. The pollution has become a health threat as well as a reason for investors to draw back.

A department spokesperson said the project would follow the World Health Organization's new air quality guidelines, which were announced in October 2006. “We will carefully evaluate the need and justification for revising local air quality objectives according to the principles suggested by the WHO and taking into account local factors and considerations.”

“Upon completing the study by the end of 2008, we plan to launch a thorough public engagement process so as to finalize the new objectives and the required long-term strategy on air quality management in 2009,” he added.

Air pollution has been a concern for public officials in Hong Kong for some time now. A study published last year raised an alarm with its estimates that more than four people die each day due to air pollution.