London issued a “high” air pollution alert on Tuesday, warning residents about elevated levels of particulate pollution following a weekend of dense fog and low wind speeds that allowed pollutants to accumulate
across the UK capital.
Interestingly, the alert was issued even as London’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 76 at 5:28 pm IST on Tuesday, according to aqicn.org. However, PM2.5 concentrations were around five times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended guideline level.
Forecasters at Imperial College London advised Mayor Sadiq Khan to issue the pollution alert. Khan has urged residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to take precautions and contribute towards reducing pollution levels.
According to the UK government, high levels of particle pollution were forecast for Tuesday after dense fog and very light winds over the weekend allowed pollutants to build up and persist into Monday morning.
Smoke from Bonfire Night celebrations, Diwali fireworks and wood burning is also believed to have contributed to the pollution.
London Mayor Issues Advisory To Reduce Air Pollution
Alongside the alert, the Mayor appealed to Londoners to adopt measures to reduce emissions and limit exposure to pollution.
Residents were encouraged to:
– Walk, cycle and use public transport more frequently, while avoiding busy roads wherever possible.
– Reduce car journeys and drive more responsibly by carpooling, switching off engines when stationary and keeping vehicles properly maintained.
– Compost garden waste or dispose of it at designated refuse centres instead of burning it.
– Avoid unnecessary burning at home, including the use of wood burners and open fires.
City Hall issues air pollution alerts to residents, schools and London boroughs whenever moderate, high or very high pollution levels are forecast.
High pollution warnings are also displayed at public locations across London, including bus stop countdown signs and the Underground network, to ensure residents are informed about deteriorating air quality.
‘Toxic Air Responsible For Thousands Of Premature Deaths’
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban stressed the need for collective efforts to tackle air pollution, highlighting its impact on public health.
“Toxic air is responsible for thousands of premature deaths in London each year, which is why the Mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it, which includes launching the world’s largest clean air zone,” Coban said.
He added that it was important for residents to do their bit to protect vulnerable people as the city continued working towards building a safer and greener London.
