What effect do high pollution days have?

Short term health effects of air pollution

Short term health effects occur when weather conditions cause pollutant levels to build up above normal background conditions. These weather patterns tend to cause air pollution episodes, and these can last for several days.

On days when air quality deteriorates more people are admitted to hospital for lung and heart problems while increased numbers of people visit their GP and need to take more medicine.

Many people will not notice any ill effects, but those who are sensitive may feel a difference in their symptoms and well being.

Those with existing breathing problems such as asthma or COPD can be severely affected.

• Health effects of long term air pollution affect many more people.
• You can see information on the short-term effects on health that might be expected to occur at the different bands.
• You can also see health advice to accompany the daily air quality index.
• We have specific advice to help you minimise the effect of air quality on your health.
• You can see a map of the latest hourly air quality. These maps and supporting apps can be used to help you avoid the ,most polluted areas.
• You can also sign up to a pollution alerting service for London using the Londonair forecast