What should I do when I receive an alert?

Depending on how high pollution levels are forecast to be, there are various simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of any impacts on you. The messages will provide you with advice but the action you can take depends on the level of pollution expected.

MODERATE
AIR POLLUTION		 HIGH
AIR POLLUTION		 VERY HIGH
AIR POLLUTION
     
What health effects may I notice? What health effects may I notice? What health effects may I notice?
  • You may notice mild health effects
  • You are unlikely to need to take any action but be aware of your symptoms
  • Take reliever medication with you as a precaution
 You may notice significant effects such as wheezing or more difficulty in breathing or chest pains if you have a heart condition You may notice a worsening of breathing difficulties or chest pains if you have a heart condition
What can I do? What can I do? What can I do?
  • You are unlikely to need to take any action but be aware of symptoms
  • Take reliever medication with you as a precaution
  • Talk to your doctor if you have concerns
  • Keep reliever medication with you as a precaution
  • You may need to increase dose of reliever medication – BUT NEVER EXCEED THE STATED DOSE
  • Consider reducing exposure by spending less time outdoors
  • Try to avoid strenuous outdoor activity
  • Talk to your doctor if you have concerns
  • Keep reliever medication with you
  • Increase dose of reliever medication if you are affected – NEVER EXCEED THE STATED DOSE
  • Avoid long periods outdoors.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Talk to your doctor if you have concerns

You can also use the maps of pollution in your area to see exactly where pollution levels are expected to be higher, on a street by street basis. This can help you avoid exposure, for example by not walking or cycling along polluted streets.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Remember that air pollution levels are normally low in London and for most of the time you will not notice any effects on your health. It’s important that you do not become alarmed or panic when you receive a airTEXT alert. It is designed to help you ensure you have any necessary medication at hand and to prepare your day ahead to reduce your exposure.

For more information visit:

Environment Agency
For infomation on air quality in the United Kingdom.

UK Air Pollution Index
How the health effects of diffeernt air pollution levels are estimated.

UK National Air Quality Archive
A complete archive of air quality measurements in the UK.

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airTEXT alerts you if elevated pollution is expected in your chosen area:
Forecast for:
Wednesday 8 September, 2010
Central London:
LOW air pollution expected everywhere