Smog alert in England and Wales

The government has issued a "smog alert" in England and Wales for ozone and polluting particles known as PM10s, which can affect people's health.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said high levels of pollution are expected from 1500 BST on Thursday and over the Easter weekend.
It said the alert was due to warm and still conditions brought on by a high pressure system.
Defra is urging the public to take "sensible precautions".
It said some people, including those who have asthma - and particularly the elderly - could be affected by the high pollution levels and may notice an impact on their breathing.
It advised people to avoid taking exercise outside in the afternoon if they are susceptible to the pollutants, and not to take unnecessary short car journeys in a bid to help reduce the build-up of ozone.High temperatures
Defra said its freephone helpline - 0800 556677 - would give regular updates on the levels of particles, and also offer health advice to those who may be particularly sensitive to air pollution.
Cher Piddock, an Asthma UK adviceline nurse, said the smog warning was a "timely reminder" that the combination of warm weather and pollution could pose health risks.
"Around two-thirds of people with asthma say pollution triggers their condition, so Asthma UK recommends that people who have pollution as a trigger avoid going out if air quality is poor.
Analysis

David Shukman Environment & science correspondent

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This smog alert is a cause for concern but not for alarm.
It's the second highest of four threat levels and - no surprise - is triggered by a combination of high pressure, warm conditions and traffic pollution.
It's a sad irony that the prospect of a sunny Easter holiday draws people onto the roads - exactly what'll make the problem worse.
Among the pollutants are so-called PM10s - tiny particles ejected from exhaust pipes which, if inhaled, are known to exacerbate lung conditions.
Most people shouldn't experience any difficulties. But if you've got any kind of lung condition, like asthma, the advice is to be aware, avoid being out of doors for too long and turn to the inhaler if necessary.


"We also recommend that people always carry their inhaler, avoid exercising outdoors on hot days, especially in the afternoon, and keep windows shut whenever possible," she said.
The smog alert comes as travel plans are getting under way as Britain begins a run of two double bank holiday weekends during a period of prolonged warm weather.
Rail works will affect some routes, and major motorways - including a now fully reopened M1 - were expected to become very busy from Thursday lunchtime.
About 18m people are expected to use their cars, but the AA predicted high fuel prices will mean people will make shorter journeys.
Ground level ozone is formed when sunlight acts on nitrogen dioxides and other atmospheric substances which come from a range of sources, including petrol and other fuels.
Particulates, or PM10s, also come from sources such as vehicles.
The smog alert - the first for more than a year - comes as monitoring in London revealed that one site, on the Marylebone Road, has exceeded EU rules for the number of days in the year in which high levels of PM10s are permitted.
The UK will not face fines for the breach, as the EU has given Britain an extension, which means it has until June before it has to start meeting the standards in the capital.
Earlier, Green Party London Assembly member Jenny Jones said London's residents and visitors should be made aware of the high pollution levels ahead of the royal wedding.
Health advice

• High pollution levels affect those with lung diseases - including asthma
  
• Elderly people in particular could see their systems worsen
  
• The British Lung Foundation said anyone with a lung condition should carry their medication as a precaution
  
• Children with asthma can still take part in games, but might need to take their medication first. They do not need to stay away from school
  
• People with a heart condition, who are also at risk, should seek medical advice if their symptoms change
  

Source: Defra, Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation


"We have the prospect of hundreds of thousands of visitors flocking to central London, to stand around all day in one of the most beautiful, but polluted cities in Europe.
"The Mayor should be making people aware of what they are breathing in and the risks to their health.
"It is important information for people to know if they suffer from a pre-existing respiratory problem," she said.
Meanwhile the warm weather is set to continue through the Easter weekend for most of the UK, especially in England and Wales.
Large parts of the country have had warm sunshine for the past week.
The top temperature forecast for Thursday was in London, at 26C. Wednesday's temperatures in the city were the warmest of the year so far, with 26.5C recorded.
This year's late Easter and the royal wedding, on 29 April, have resulted in some workers only having to take only three days' leave off next week to get an 11-day break. (from BBC)