Government issues health warning over pollution levels

Defra and Public Health England have jointly issued a health warning due to moderate and high air pollution levels having been monitored across central and eastern England and Northern Ireland.

Current air pollution levels are due to the continuing high pressure and associated light winds across the UK, the government has claimed, with still and foggy weather conditions having led to ‘isolated pockets’ of very high pollution having been monitored.

Foggy weather conditions have been witnessed across parts of south and central England

In a statement issued yesterday (23 January) the government has claimed that light winds and foggy conditions are expected to continue through Wednesday, especially across southern and eastern parts leading to an ongoing risk of areas of moderate air pollution levels, along with further isolated pockets of ‘high’ levels.

Exertion

In the joint statement, the government warned: “During periods of high air pollution adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion.

“Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.”

Public Health England guidance also advised people to reduce physical exertion, particularly when outdoors and especially if they experience symptoms such as a cough or sore throat.

Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, in areas where very high levels are recorded should avoid strenuous physical activity. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often, PHE said.