Recommendations for a new Air Quality Index have been published by the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP). The Index is used to communicate information on short-term elevated levels to allow potentially susceptible people - such as those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions - to take appropriate action to reduce the effects on their health. The report makes recommendations for changes to the index based on new research, developments in the regulation of air pollution and public insight research.

COMEAP proposes to keep the current 10 point scale, and four bands (low, moderate, high and very high) , but recommends that some of the bands be made more stringent to reflect the latest scientific understanding of the health effects of air pollution. COMEAP also recommends the removal of carbon monoxide from the index, as outdoor levels have fallen dramatically since the index was last revised in 1998, and the addition of PM2.5 as EU directives now require its regulation in the UK. Additionally, COMEAP is proposing the use of ‘trigger’ values to give people advanced warning of likely short-term increases in air pollution which could affect health.

The proposed index is supported by information for people with heart and lung conditions on how to respond if they are affected by raised levels of air pollution.

Professor Stephen Holgate, Chairman of the subgroup, who led the work, said: "Although air pollution can have a significant impact on human health, research suggests that there is a lack of understanding about existing air quality information. We commissioned a study to understand the needs of the public and the findings were influential in shaping the proposed health advice."

Professor Jon Ayres, Chairman of COMEAP, added:"COMEAP is very keen to enhance the way we communicate facts about air pollution to the public and this fresh approach to air quality banding is both welcome and a real advance in helping the public deal with the impact of polluted air."

Members of the COMEAP sub-group included Professor Frank Kelly, Professor Ross Anderson and Dr Gary Fuller from King’s. Gary Fuller said, "The Easter air pollution episode was an important reminder that smog is not a thing of the past. The new index will help people understand how daily changes in air pollution can affect their health and provides practical advice to help asthmatics and other sensitive people cope during pollution episodes."

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Item date 22/06/2011