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A “high” air pollution alert for London has been issued by City Hall for Tuesday as sunny weather and high temperatures are expected to increase levels of toxic air.
Temperatures in the capital are expected to reach 34C, increasing ground-level ozone – a harmful pollutant which surges when heat and sunshine react with existing pollutants in the air.
Experts at Imperial College London advised City Hall to issue the alert, warning that wind directions mean pollution from mainland Europe is also expected to exacerbate ozone levels in the south east.
High ozone levels can cause respiratory problems by irritating and inflaming the lungs, causing coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath. It can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions, and can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. Ozone can also irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing discomfort.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ”We all know the dangers toxic air poses to Londoners, which is why I am doing everything in my power to tackle it. On Tuesday alongside the current high temperatures, we will also experience high levels of air pollution.
“Pollution and heat can be a dangerous combination, which is why I’m urging Londoners to look after themselves and each other by choosing to walk, cycle or take public transport, avoid unnecessary car journeys, stop their engines idling and refrain from burning wood or garden waste, all of which contribute to high levels of pollution. This is particularly important in order to protect those who are most vulnerable and help us to build a safer and greener London for all.”
In June this year, the Royal College of Physicians warned the UK’s continuing air pollution problems represent a “public health crisis”, linked to 30,000 deaths a year, affect 99 per cent of the country’s population and costs taxpayers up to £50bn a year.
City Hall issues alerts to Londoners, schools and local boroughs when moderate, high or very high air pollution is forecast. High air pollution alerts are displayed at public locations across London, including all bus stop countdown signs, and on the Underground.
The deputy mayor for environment and energy, Mete Coban added: “London’s toxic air is responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths in the capital each year, which is why the Mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it, including launching the world’s largest clean air zone.”
The high pollution warning system was introduced by the mayor’s office in 2016. These forecasts are created by Imperial College London, and checked against other public forecasts, including airTEXT and the Met Office, to predict when air pollution in the capital increases and poses risks.