Air pollution in Yorkshire is at the highest possible level today, and people have been warned to reduce physical exertion.
The UK Air agency has put the region of Yorkshire and Humber on alert after it became the only region in the country with a 10 out of 10 Very High pollution rating.
It means everyone should reduce their activity levels – and that is especially important for people with underlying conditions, the agency said.
“Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity,” UK Air says.
“People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.”
Meanwhile the general public should “reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat”.
In York, the Fishergate pollution monitoring station has recorded a high level of particulate matter (PM) this afternoon – everything in the air that is not a gas.
“Due to the small size of many of the particles that form PM some of these toxins may enter the bloodstream and be transported around the body, lodging in the heart, brain and other organs,” the government website warns.
“Therefore, exposure to PM can result in serious impacts to health, especially in vulnerable groups of people such as the young, elderly, and those with respiratory problems.”
Some of the highest levels of air pollution are at the coast. The area around Flambough has a Very High 10 rating today, while Reighton Gap is rated 9.