Areas of the south eastern UK could reach “very high” levels of air pollution on Friday, health officials have warned.
Traffic fumes from London have combined with pollution from the continent and Saharan dust to create very high levels of air pollution in parts of the south east.
Dr Sotiris Vardoulakis, head of the air pollution and climate change group at Public Health England’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards warned that people in areas affected by very high air pollution should “reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors”.
Much of southern England is also experiencing high levels of air pollution, but the problem is expected to be short lived, and the air pollution is expected to fall to moderate or low over the weekend.
Vardoulakis said:
“While most people will not be affected by short term peaks in air pollution, some individuals, particularly those with existing heart or lung conditions, may experience increased symptoms.
“On occasions where levels are high, 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.
“Some parts of the country may record ‘very high’ levels of air pollution. PHE is advising people in those areas to reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, 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, should avoid strenuous physical activity. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.”
UK Air Quality Index / Defra
