Air pollution forecast and alerts
Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts. Long term exposure to air pollution can cause and aggravate many respiratory diseases. Air pollution is also recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and certain cancers.
To avoid or minimise exposure to air pollution, residents can use air pollution forecast to plan outdoor activities. 5-day air pollution forecast is available at Defra's UK Air forecasting site.(external link)
Air pollution level here is quantified using a Daily Air Quality Index, numbered from 1 to 10, and divided into four bands Low, Moderate, High, and Very High. Defra’s air quality forecasts are produced by Met Office, and the air pollution level is also stated in weather forecasts released by Met Office, BBC Weather etc. under ‘Pollution’.
Recommended actions and health advice for general population and individuals at risk, at different air pollution levels, are provided by Defra as follows:
| Air pollution banding | Value | Accompanying health messages for at-risk individuals* | Accompanying health messages for the general population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 1-3 | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. |
| Moderate | 4-6 | Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, especially outdoors. | Enjoy your usual outdoor activities. |
| High | 7-9 | 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. |
| Very high | 10 | Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. | Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat. |
* Adults and children with heart or lung problems are at greater risk of symptoms. Follow your doctor's usual advice about exercising and managing your condition. It is possible that very sensitive individuals may experience health effects even on low air pollution days.
You can subscribe to Defra’s email bulletins(external link) for Alert (when AQ threshold is exceeded or exceedance is forecasted), Forecasts (daily updated forecasts), and Measurement (summary of last 24-hours or last hours air quality measurement). You can also receive Defra’s Air Quality forecast and advice on Twitter(external link).