City Hall has issued a “red alert” for the first time this year to warn people in Tower Hamlets and 7 other boroughs about dangerous pollution levels.
Walk, cycle or use public transport if you’re able to. It will help us cut emissions and pollution.
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) January 19, 2017
The increase in toxic particles in the air is partly due to a cloud of toxic gasses from industrial areas in Germany sweeping across Britain, and partly due to London’s ongoing problems with pollution caused by traffic, particularly diesel vehicles.
People in the affected areas are advised to avoid congested and busy roads. Those who suffer from any lung-related health issues should take extra measures as a result of the high levels of particles.
Sadiq Khan spoke out earlier this week, calling London’s air “a killer”. Pollution levels dropped back however high alerts were issued early this morning for eight boroughs: Tower Hamlets, Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, the City, Kingston, Hounslow and Kensington and Chelsea. Levels in the rest of the capital have been described as “moderate”.
The London Air Quality Network, run by King’s College, measures pollution levels hourly. Today, Friday, scientists there issued their warning:
High air pollution forecast valid from Saturday 21 January to end of Monday 23 January https://t.co/pw5laCh8Mp #airpollution
— London Air (@LondonAir) January 20, 2017
The London Air Quality Network also provides data to local councils – most of whom put that data on their websites. You can check the pollution levels in your borough by following one of these links:
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