Parts of the south east and eastern England could see record levels of air pollution today, health chiefs have warned.
Public Health England (PHE) said pollution from the continent and Saharan dust would see levels rise to 10 – or ‘very high’ – before dispersing overnight.
The rise is unlikely to affect most people but those with existing lung or heart conditions have been warned to take precautions.
Dr Sotiris Vardoulakis, head of the air pollution and climate change group at PHE’s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, said: ‘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.’
