London issues ‘very high’ air pollution alert; Here’s how you can check pollution in your area

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, issued an air pollution warning over the weekend due to high levels caused by cold and foggy weather. Pockets of pollution are expected to persist. According to the Defra website, levels are currently considered "very high" in Greater London. The freezing fog and cold weather are trapping emissions from fossil fuel-burning cars and vans, which is one of the reasons for the mayor’s expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to all London boroughs in August.

How to check the current pollution in your area?

Air pollution alerts are issued when the levels reach a threshold that can harm health. Information on the current air pollution levels in your area can be accessed by visiting uk-air.defra.gov.uk or by checking weather apps on your phone or other devices. These alerts are based on Defra's Daily Air Quality Index, which is determined by measuring levels of five pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter of different sizes.

Should you exercise in ‘very high’ air pollution?

The Met Office emphasizes that there is no need to avoid going outside in the UK. However, the necessary precautions may vary depending on one's health. Those in the "at-risk" group, such as individuals with heart or lung problems, should take extra precautions.

What is low, moderate, and high air pollution?

The levels between 0-3, 4-6, 7-9, more than 10 are called low, moderate, high and very high air pollution, respectively. When levels are low, citizens can continue to enjoy their usual activities.
When the pollution levels reach moderate, one should consider reducing physical activity in outdoors, as per the Met Office. Further, in high and very high air pollution conditions one must reduce and avoid physical exertion, respectively.

FAQs:

1. Who is the mayor of London?
   Sadiq Khan
2. What is Met Office?
   UK’s national weather service