York launch air pollution warning service

City of York Council has launched a new service which will warn users of impending air quality concerns and offer health advice to residents vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

The York Air Quality Alert service is funded by DEFRA and has been designed to be simple to sign up for and to use. When signing up, users can choose to have their alerts delivered by text, email or voicemail. They can also select alerts for different areas of the city.

The sign-up page explains:

Air pollution levels tend to rise on hot, sunny days in summer and cold, still days in winter. Once air pollution levels increase, they often remain high for two or three days. This is called a pollution episode.

You’ll receive alerts when an episode of air pollution is expected. You’re likely to receive around 20 alerts per year, depending on air pollution levels. You can choose to receive alerts by text message, recorded voice message or email.

You’ll get a message for each day that the pollution episode lasts. Alerts will stop when pollution levels are forecast to be low again, or when you unsubscribe from the service.

It is also pointed out that air pollution episodes in York are uncommon; but can affect people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis or heart disease.

Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, said: ‘This is a really simple and easy to use tool to help residents with health conditions affected by air pollution plan ahead and reduce exposure.

‘We hope these forecasts will also raise awareness of air pollution across the city and encourage people to consider their air quality impact in helping to protect everyone’s health. Poor air quality is a contributory factor in 1 in 22 deaths in York. We can all improve this statistic; share a lift to work, work from home or walk, catch the bus or cycle, if possible, especially on days with high pollution. Solid fuel fires should also be avoided wherever possible.

‘The new website will display maps outlining day-to-day air pollution levels. The alerts sent out will offer guidance on whether people are at risk from air pollution on a particular day and provide advice on how to stay healthy and aware.’

Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said: ‘Air pollution affects our lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, and makes asthma, heart conditions and other illnesses worse.

‘If you have any heart or lung condition or have a concern about air pollution, you can sign up for this new service, which can help you to reduce the pollution that you breathe. Alerts can be set for yourself or for another person, such as an elderly relative or child.’