Health warning as pollution levels set to soar as heatwave descends on Scotland
Dangerous levels of air pollution are set to engulf Scotland tomorrow (1 July) – coinciding with the much anticipated heatwave.
Campaigners have warned exceptional high temperatures will bring extreme levels of pollution in nearly all areas of the country – with air safety standards forecasted to be broken in 31 councils.
And the soaring pollution levels carry a warning that people with heart and lung problems such as asthma or emphysema should reducing strenuous physical activity particularly outdoors.
Emilia Hanna, air pollution campaigner for Friends of the Earth Scotland, said people with existing respiratory problems were at increased risk tomorrow.
“Regular exposure to the levels of pollution that we see day in, day out on city streets in Scotland increases the risk of people having a heart attack or stroke,” she said.
The government should advise people to avoid driving - Emilia Hanna
“Most disturbingly, air pollution impacts on foetal development, with newborn babies more likely to have lower birth weights if expectant mothers are exposed to air pollution throughout pregnancy. “Air pollution causes 2000 early deaths every year in Scotland.”
Ground-level ozone is understood to be the key pollutant of concern during this episode, with levels predicted to break World Health Organisation safety guidelines.
Ozone is considered to be among the most irritating gases to humans, and exposure to high levels can cause respiratory symptoms, reduce lung function, and cause inflammation of the airways.
“Some of this air pollution will have blown in from elsewhere but it is adding to the heavy air pollution caused by traffic on our streets,” added Hanna.
“To combat the worst of tomorrow’s air pollution impacts, the government should advise people to avoid driving.
“But it must also introduce longer term measures to reduce traffic levels on our streets.”
Two similar pollution episodes occured earlier this year in March and April.
Friends of the Earth Scotland said ministers must ramp up measures to support improvements in walking, cycling and public transport to combat fossil fuel pollution.
