This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-38716498
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| 'Filthy air' prompts 'very high' pollution alert for London | 'Filthy air' prompts 'very high' pollution alert for London |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| A "very high" air pollution warning has been issued for London for the first time under a new alert system. | |
| Warnings are being issued at bus stops, roadside signs and Tube stations under the new system set up by London Mayor Sadiq Khan. | |
| The rise has been attributed to cold, calm and settled weather, meaning winds are not dispersing local pollutants. | The rise has been attributed to cold, calm and settled weather, meaning winds are not dispersing local pollutants. |
| The mayor said "the shameful state of London's toxic air" meant he had to trigger the alert. | The mayor said "the shameful state of London's toxic air" meant he had to trigger the alert. |
| "This is the highest level of alert and everyone - from the most vulnerable to the physically fit - may need to take precautions to protect themselves from the filthy air," he said. | "This is the highest level of alert and everyone - from the most vulnerable to the physically fit - may need to take precautions to protect themselves from the filthy air," he said. |
| A spike in pollution on Sunday was the highest level recorded since April 2011. | A spike in pollution on Sunday was the highest level recorded since April 2011. |
| Current concentrations of PM10 - tiny airborne particles caused by the burning of fossil fuels - are more than double the legal limit. | Current concentrations of PM10 - tiny airborne particles caused by the burning of fossil fuels - are more than double the legal limit. |
| The air quality index numbers run from one (lowest) to 10 (highest). The current levels have been rated as 10. | The air quality index numbers run from one (lowest) to 10 (highest). The current levels have been rated as 10. |
| Dr Gary Fuller from the Environmental Research Group at King's College London said episodes of pollution at this level "happen a few times a year". | Dr Gary Fuller from the Environmental Research Group at King's College London said episodes of pollution at this level "happen a few times a year". |
| Susan Boix, from Erith, South London | Susan Boix, from Erith, South London |
| While walking the dogs today I felt so sick from the pollution and now have a sore throat. | While walking the dogs today I felt so sick from the pollution and now have a sore throat. |
| It was so bad I felt like I was in an enclosed space with a car engine running. | It was so bad I felt like I was in an enclosed space with a car engine running. |
| I had to pull my sweatshirt up to cover my mouth and nose. I've never experienced it like that before. | I had to pull my sweatshirt up to cover my mouth and nose. I've never experienced it like that before. |
| Now and again it's bad but not like today. You could taste the pollution. | Now and again it's bad but not like today. You could taste the pollution. |
| The last time pollution reached this level was early last month, according to pollution monitoring stations run by King's College London. | The last time pollution reached this level was early last month, according to pollution monitoring stations run by King's College London. |
| However, a spike in pollution levels on Sunday "when there wasn't much traffic on the road, was significant" Dr Fuller said. | However, a spike in pollution levels on Sunday "when there wasn't much traffic on the road, was significant" Dr Fuller said. |
| In recent weeks several "high" alerts have been issued. | In recent weeks several "high" alerts have been issued. |
| The current weather conditions, coupled with an "unusually high amount of domestic wood burning", has led to the highest pollution alert being issued. | The current weather conditions, coupled with an "unusually high amount of domestic wood burning", has led to the highest pollution alert being issued. |
| The government's committee on the medical effects of air pollutants (COMEAP) advises adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems and older people, to avoid strenuous physical activity. | The government's committee on the medical effects of air pollutants (COMEAP) advises adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems and older people, to avoid strenuous physical activity. |
| People with asthma may find they need to use their inhaler more often. | People with asthma may find they need to use their inhaler more often. |
| Pollution levels are expected to continue into Tuesday. | Pollution levels are expected to continue into Tuesday. |
| Have you made changes following the air pollution alert? Are you staying indoors or working from home? Have you made other changes? You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your experiences. | Have you made changes following the air pollution alert? Are you staying indoors or working from home? Have you made other changes? You can email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your experiences. |
| Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: | Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: |
| Or use the form below | Or use the form below |