How to check for poor air quality
What is the risk? Poor air quality is when the air contains high levels of pollutants, often from traffic or industrial sources, especially during very still or hot weather.
This can affect everyone, but it is a particular health risk for people with existing lung or heart conditions (like asthma) and for older people.
What you can do:
- Check the forecast: The most important action is to check the air quality forecast, especially if you have a health condition. Defra (the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) provides a daily forecast.
- Follow health advice: If the air quality is "Moderate" or "High", the advice is:
- If you are vulnerable: Avoid strenuous physical activity. If you have asthma, you may need to use your reliever inhaler more often.
- For everyone: If you experience discomfort (like a cough or sore throat), consider reducing the amount of strenuous exercise you do, especially outdoors.
- Reduce your impact: On high pollution days, you can help by walking, cycling, or using public transport instead of driving.