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Issue:- 03 April 2014

A visible sign of poor air quality seen over the UK

ON Wednesday, 2 April 2014, Defra said that many parts of the UK could be shrouded in smog as large parts of England and Wales experienced unusually high levels of air pollution. This was predicted to be the worst air pollution in 60 years when, before the Clean Air Act in Britain, pea soupers were not uncommon and on Wednesday morning, many areas throughout the UK did instead find high buildings and trees shrouded in smog. Some coastal areas, at dawn, like on parts of Merseyside's Coastline witnessed what at times looked like a green, or yellowing tinged light grey mist. We were told that this glow was due to the atmospheric conditions and is common in places like the skies over Paris. The effect is caused by tiny droplets of liquid water suspended in air interacting with other airborne particulates (molecules in the air) that then scatter and reflect the light resulting in a murky yellow or green tint.

This tint is a very clear and visible sign of poor air quality. "If you have a car or a greenhouse, look at the windows. When this happens you can often see what is in the air, when the mist or fog lifts. This time small grains of dust from the Sahara desert that can be clearly identified." A pollution expert from Defra told us. This combination of Sahara desert sand and a mixture of emissions from businesses and factories in continental Europe and  across the UK led to the latest government has warnings, as Southerly winds blow this dust and dirt across Britain.

Defra air pollution levels for 2 April 2014 predicted that the worst affected places would be in the South According to Defra:- "The vast majority of people, will suffer no harm as a result of these conditions. We may notice sore eyes, coughs, sore throats and perhaps a little bit of a wheeze if we are taking physical activity outdoors. Clearly this is a serious issue, but it's important that the media and the public do not get it out of proportion. Also we will see the pollution levels fall towards the end of the week. But over the few days of very high air pollution levels, we strongly recommend that those with lung or heart disease avoid strong exercise outside. In conditions like this, we recommend that:-

► 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."

Should you suffer from the effects of poor air quality levels Defra recommends visiting its website for the latest information. You can also follow them on Twitter.

So should we be worried? Have you been affected by the moderate to high air pollution levels the UK has experienced? Did you see the dawn glow in the mist or get a picture of it? Was your car covered in a light coating of sand? Email our newsroom your thoughts, views and reactions to this topic.

 

The maps attached are what levels and the prediction map given to the public and media by Defra on Wednesday, 2 April 2014. © Crown copyright and also Google Inc.