Health Advice
- airAlert messages relate to the potential for predicted levels of pollution to impact
on the health of the population.
- Air pollution can cause short-term health effects in sensitive individuals
(e.g. people who already suffer from heart disease or lung diseases, including asthma). Effects
on sensitive people can be reduced by spending less time outdoors. 'Reliever'
inhalers should lessen effects on asthma sufferers.
- For specialist advice on the effects of pollution on your specific
condition please contact your health professional.
- Health advice is based on the UK Air Quality Banding system approved
by the Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollution Episodes (COMEAP). The system
uses an index divided into four bands to provide more detail about air pollution
levels in a simple way, similar to the sun index or pollen index.
 |
Low
(1-3) |
When air pollution is LOW effects are unlikely to be noticed even by
those who are sensitive to air pollution.
Enjoy your usual outdoor activities
|
 |
Moderate
(4-6) |
When air pollution is MODERATE sensitive people may notice mild
effects but these are unlikely to need action.
Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms should
consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.
|
 |
High
(7-9) |
When air pollution is HIGH sensitive people may notice significant
effects and may need to take action.
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.
|
 |
Very High
(10) |
When air pollution is VERY HIGH effects on sensitive people, described
for HIGH pollution, may worsen.
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
|
- The overall air pollution index for the region is calculated from the highest
index value of five pollutants:
-
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Sulphur Dioxide
- Ozone
- Carbon Monoxide
- Particles < 10µm (PM10)
*Note:
Adults and children with heart or lung problems are at greater risk of symptoms.
Follow your doctor’s usual advice about exercising and managing your condition.
The airAlert levels relate to the UK Daily Air Quality Index for air pollution.
Download airAlert information leaflets