The Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) has been developed to provide advice on expected levels of air pollution. In addition, information on the short-term effects on health that might be expected to occur at the different bands of the index (Low, Moderate, High, Very High) is provided. This advice applies to anyone experiencing symptoms.
Short-term effects of air pollution on health
Air pollution can have a range of effects on health. However, air pollution in the UK does not normally rise to levels at which people need to make major changes to their habits to avoid exposure; nobody need fear going outdoors.
- Adults and Children with lung or heart conditions – It is known that, when levels of air pollutants rise, adults suffering from heart conditions, and adults and children with lung conditions, are at increased risk of becoming ill and needing treatment. Only a minority of those who suffer from these conditions are likely to be affected and it is not possible to predict in advance who will be affected. Some people are aware that air pollution affects their health: adults and children with asthma may notice that they need to increase their use of inhaled reliever medication and minimise possible exposures by reducing levels of strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, on days when levels of air pollution are higher than average.
- Older people are more likely to suffer from heart and lung conditions than young people and so it makes good sense for them to be aware of current air pollution conditions.
- Children need not be kept from school or prevented from taking part in games. Children with asthma may notice that they need to increase their use of reliever medication on days when levels of air pollution are higher than average. Such modification should only be made on a health practitioner´s advice.
- The general population – At Very High levels of air pollution, some people, even health individuals, may experience a sore or dry throat, sore eyes or, in some cases, a tickly cough.
Action that can be taken
When levels of air pollution increase it would be sensible for those who have noticed that they are affected to limit their exposure to air pollutants. This does not mean staying indoors, but reducing levels of exercise outdoors would be reasonable.
- Older people and those with heart and lung conditions might avoid exertion on Moderate pollution days if they experience symptoms.
- Adults and children with asthma should check that they are taking their medication as advised by their health practitioner and may notice that they need to increase their use of inhaled reliever medication.
- Adults with heart and circulatory conditions should not modify their treatment schedules on the basis of advice provided by the air quality index: such modification should only be made on a health practitioner´s advice.
- Some athletes, even if they are not asthmatic, may notice that they find their performance impacted when levels of a certain air pollutant (ground level ozone) are High, and they may notice that they find deep breathing causes some discomfort in the chest . This might be expected in summer on days when ground level ozone levels are raised. This does not mean that they are in danger but it would be sensible for them to limit their activities on such days.