Air Pollution: Record Smog Spreads Further

A health warning remains in force for millions of vulnerable people as record air pollution sweeps across much of the UK.

High levels of smog are forecast for East Anglia, the Midlands, Lincolnshire, the Wirral and the north coast of Wales.

Parts of England are experiencing the highest level of air pollution ever recorded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in part due to dust from the Sahara.

The elderly, people with asthma and those with lung and heart conditions are being told to take precautions, with forecasters warning the smog will not clear until Friday.

Forecast for April 2, 3, 4. Dark red, purple are highest levels. Pic: Defra

Pollution from Europe, low southeasterly winds and domestic pollution have all contributed to the plummeting air quality, which has led a number of charities and health bodies to issue warnings.

Sotiris Vardoulakis from Public Health England, said: "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.

"Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, coughing or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors."

Moderate pollution levels are also likely to affect the northwest coast of England, southwest Scotland and the northeast coast of Northern Ireland.

A view of London's Canary Wharf on Wednesday

The UK's 3.6 million asthmatics are being advised to use their blue reliever inhalers more often.

Kay Boycott, chief executive of Asthma UK, said: "The two-thirds of people with asthma who find that air pollution makes their asthma worse will be at an increased risk of an attack following the alarming Defra warning of high pollution levels around the country."

Saharan dust gets blown over to Britain several times a year, with the latest episode caused by a large wind storm in North Africa.

Cars in some areas of the country have been covered with speckles of the dust.

Some commuters have taken to wearing face masks

The World Health Organisation estimates seven million premature deaths annually are linked to air pollution.

The UK is not the only place to be hit by increased smog levels.

Last month, Paris imposed a day-long driving ban after pollution particles in the air exceeded safe levels for five straight days.

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