There is a high pollution event sweeping across the UK this weekend, where Southern England and Wales will most likely see the highest levels. This is the result of weather systems blowing high levels of pollutants across from Europe and the low winds over the UK being unable to disperse them. The sources of the pollutants are most likely agricultural ammonia, building emissions, fires, and pollution from industry. If you’d like to track this pollution, you can do so using this tool by breezometer.
Whilst many will be tempted to sit out and enjoy the sun this Easter weekend, our advice is to take precaution whilst doing so and to stay indoors if possible. Moderate to high levels of air pollution will be reached and for many this can exacerbate underlying health issues. The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) recommends that adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity. Furthermore, during ‘high’ conditions if anyone in the general population is experiencing discomforts such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat they should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.
These anticipated high levels of pollution come at a particular worrying time for many. As the coronavirus continues to spread, our efforts to better understand it are at the forefront of research right now. Last month, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) reported that there is a link between the high number of cases and air pollution. This is due to poor air quality causing illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes and certain respiratory illnesses, consequently putting individuals more at risk.
Therefore, in these stressful times, it’s extremely wise to follow Government guidelines – stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
For live information about the air quality in your area please click this link: https://breezometer.com/air-quality-map
For more information about health advice please click this link: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/air-pollution/daqi
For more information about Government guidelines please click this link: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus