25/11/2016

High Levels of Air Pollution Detected In Belfast And L'Derry

A warning has been issued over the detection of high levels of air pollution in Belfast and Londonderry.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said that these elevated levels are expected to continue for as long as the current cold, calm weather persists. A moderate rise in air pollution had also been detected in some other urban areas.

The high levels of pollution are believed to be as a result of local pollution sources such as road vehicles and home heating emissions combined with cold, calm weather conditions in which pollutants are not being dispersed.

During periods of high pollution the symptoms of people with lung or heart disease may worsen, while healthy people are unlikely to experience any ill effects, the Department said.

Hourly updates on levels of particulate matter (PM10), sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide are available on the Department's website and the Department's freephone helpline (0800 556677), which also offers health advice to those who may be particularly sensitive to air pollution.

(MH)

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