Learn More: Practical Health Advice

Air Pollution and Health

If your health is good, the air pollution we usually get in East and West Sussex, Brighton and Hove is unlikely to have any serious short-term effects. However, people with lung disease or hurt conditions are at greater risk, especially if they are elderly. There is little evidence that air pollution itself causes asthma. However, if you already have asthma, you may find that high levels of air pollution can trigger an attack.

What to do when pollution levels are high?

When pollution levels are high, people with heart condition or severe lung disease may be affected. If you have a heart condition and you notice a change in your symptoms, get medical advice as you normally would. Do not try to change your treatment yourself.

Health advice for people with lung disorders:

If you have asthma, you may need to change your treatment in the usual way.

If traffic fumes make breathing harder, try to avoid busy streets.
If you are elderly, stay indoors as much as possible and keep warm.
Avoid energetic outdoor activities in the afternoons when pollution levels tend to be higher.
If your child has asthma, they should be able to take part in games as normal, but they may need to use their reliever inhaler before they start.
If you have eye, nose or throat irritation, chest discomfort or cough, consult your community pharmacist for advice.

Smoking

Smoking is likely to have a much more serious effect on your health than air pollution. Advice on stopping smoking is available from: QUITLINE number is: 0800 00 22 00.

Other Sources of Information about air pollution

TELETEXT - pages 106

Freephone - 0800 55 66 77

Internet - http://www.airquality.co.uk

Bulletins may also be given out with national television weather forecasts during periods of poor air quality.