High pollution warning issued in London as capital braces for 34C heat
Londoners facing ‘dangerous combination’ of heat and air pollution
- City Hall has issued a "high" air pollution alert for London for Tuesday, driven by a combination of a heatwave and existing pollutants.
- Temperatures are expected to reach 34C, which will significantly increase ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant formed by heat and sunshine reacting with existing air pollution.
- Experts from Imperial College London noted that wind from mainland Europe will also contribute to elevated ozone levels in the south east.
- High ozone levels pose health risks, including respiratory problems, worsening asthma, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
- Mayor Sadiq Khan said “pollution and heat can be a dangerous combination” and urged Londoners to reduce pollution by taking public transport and refraining from burning waste.