Warnings issued As High Levels Of Air Pollution Are Set To Spread Into Deeside

Health warnings have been issued as high levels air pollution spreads across England moving into Wales.

• Some Deeside schools have asked parents of children suffering with asthma not to forget to take inhalers to school.
• Pollution levels expected to reach a high level on Deeside today.

Defra’s uses a 10-point scale for measuring air quality – with 1 meaning there is a “low” risk of air pollution and 10 warning of “very high” levels.

Air pollution will drift into Deeside, the Dee estuary, Wirral and Merseyside where levels are forecast to reach a high of 8

The pollution is a mix of local and European emissions and dust from the Sahara.

Huw Brunt, Consultant in Environmental Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said:

“While most people will not be affected by short term peaks in air pollution, some individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as those with existing heart or lung conditions, may experience increased symptoms.

 

“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.”