High and moderate levels of particulate matter are forecast across Northern Ireland until Friday. There is potential for isolated areas of high air pollution to occur during this period.
The high levels of pollution are expected as a result of increased home heating emissions along with the forecasted cold, calm weather conditions, which prevents these pollutants being dispersed.
For further information and hourly updates on levels of particulate matter (PM10 & PM2.5) as well as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide please see the Department’s website: https://www.airqualityni.co.uk and for advice see http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/air-pollution-and-health
During periods of high air pollution, the symptoms of people with lung or heart disease may worsen. Healthy people are unlikely to experience any ill effects.
Subscribers to the Air Aware service will also receive notification of this alert.
Notes to editors:
- Air pollution is described as “low (1-3)”, “moderate (4-6)”, “high (7-9)” or “Very High (10)” in relation to the presence of particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and ozone. Classifications are based upon the pollutant in the highest band based upon the advice of the UK Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution.
- The information and the air pollution forecast is also sent by e-mail, free of charge, if you would like to be added to this individual service, ring the Government's contractors at Ricardo-AEA (Paul Willis on 0870 1906602).
- There is also an SMS service ‘Air Aware’ which the public can subscribe to by texting the word ‘AIR’ to 07984405722. SMS alerts are free to UK mobile phones. Registration SMS messages will be charged at your network operator’s standard rate.
- The public can also download the DAERA Air app free of charge from both Android and iPhone stores from https://www.airqualityni.co.uk/stay-informed.
- Follow DAERA on Twitter: @daera_ni - https://twitter.com/daera_ni and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daerani.gov.uk
- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or via email to pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.