A free text message and email warning system has been introduced by the Government to alert people across the UK when air pollution reaches high levels in their local area.
The opt-in service enables users to choose specific locations to monitor, such as their home address, workplace or local park.
They will receive direct alerts when air pollution is recorded as high or forecast to reach elevated levels in that specified location.
Ministers hope the scheme will help people act on the information and take practical steps to reduce exposure to air pollution, particularly those with health conditions made worse by poor air quality.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said: “We want everyone to have access to clear, reliable information about the air they breathe.
open image in gallery“This new service will make it easier for people to understand air pollution in their local area and take practical steps to protect their health, particularly those living with conditions such as asthma.
“Better access to air quality information is another way this government is tackling air pollution and protecting people’s health.”
The monitoring service tracks five key pollutants harmful to human health: particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and sulphur dioxide (SO2).
These substances affect everyone but can worsen asthma and lung conditions, which cost the NHS millions of pounds each year to treat.
Officials said the service delivers on a Government commitment set out in the environmental improvement plan to enhance access to air pollution data and help citizens protect their health.
It is part of wider Government measures to tackle air pollution, such as simplifying industrial permits and consulting on stricter emissions standards for new wood-burning appliances to lower health impacts, they added.
Sir Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, said: “Air pollution is an extremely important, solvable health problem that causes ill health throughout the life course, from poor pregnancy outcomes through childhood lung disease to causing long-term health conditions including cancers, heart disease and stroke.
“The health impacts are greatest for the most vulnerable – children, pregnant women and people with pre-existing cardiovascular or lung conditions.”
Members of the public can sign up for notifications and view local air quality information directly on Gov.UK.