London air quality: Sadiq Khan issues high pollution alert as Met Office predicts dangerous toxic air across the capital

Air pollution is set to reach high levels on Tuesday
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Sian Bayley26 February 2019

The Mayor has announced a high alert for air pollution in the capital.

The pollution forecast published by King’s College London shows that there will be high pollution levels today and tomorrow.

Simon Birkett, founder of the Campaign for Clean Air in London, said:

“This deadly mix will contain our pollution, some from the continent and possibly Saharan Dust. Even healthy people may need to reduce activity to protect themselves.

“The Mayor should trigger a network wide health alert and advise people not to drive unless it’s essential, particularly dirty diesels.”

A spokesperson for the Mayor said: “The high levels of pollution expected over the next few days is evidence of the scale of London’s air quality crisis and is exactly why the Mayor is taking hard-hitting measures to clean it up.”

This is the 10th time the air quality alert system has been used since Sadiq Khan became Mayor. Once for ‘Very High’ and nine times for ‘High’.

Air-quality alerts will be displayed at bus countdown signs and river pier signs across London, as well as the entrances to all underground stations. Road-side dot matrix message signs will also appear on the busiest main roads, with instructions to switch engines off when stationary to reduce emissions.

Why are pollution levels so high?

Local emissions have not dispersed properly from the weekend and Monday, and we are continuing to see import of particulates from Germany and France.

What should I do when pollution levels are high?

The DEFRA website provides advice for both the general population, and those most at risk.

Adults and children with lung and 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.”

The general population

“Should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors,” if they are “experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat.”

At moderate levels, those most at risk who experience symptoms should still “consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.”

Where can I find out about the pollution levels near me?

Check out the UK Air website run by DEFRA here: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/forecasting/ and type in your location to find the forecast for your area.

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