Health Warnings due to Air Pollution in England

The Government has issued health warnings today as high levels of pollution, in the form of red dust from the Sahara, were recorded across England.

Defra has a 10 point scale for measuring air quality with 1 meaning there is a “low” risk and 10 meaning a “very high” risk of air pollution. This morning, in East Anglia, pollution levels were sitting at 6 and were at a maximum of 10 across north west Norfolk.

The advice given is for adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems to reduce any exercise, particularly outdoors. Older people should also reduce any physical exercise. It was also highlighted that people with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often as they could be prone to attacks, so these should be at hand.

However, anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.

The vast majority of people will be at no risk and suffer no harm from the pollution, but anyone with health issues should take extra care over the next few days.

By Friday the pollution levels will be reduced and the dust will start to clear.