People across the UK can now sign up to receive air pollution warnings by text or email, with alerts sent when pollution levels are forecast to spike.
Millions of people could benefit from a new Government service designed to warn them when air quality in their local area is expected to become poor.
The service allows people to choose an area that matters to them – such as their home, workplace or favourite local park – and receive an SMS or email alert when air pollution is forecast to be high.
The Government says the new service will provide accurate, up-to-date information in one place, making it easier for people to check pollution levels and decide whether to change their plans.
It could be particularly useful for people with asthma and other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, who can be more vulnerable to the effects of polluted air.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said: “We want everyone to have access to clear, reliable information about the air they breathe.”
She added: “This new service will make it easier for people to understand air pollution in their local area and take practical steps to protect their health, particularly those living with conditions such as asthma.”
Thunderstorm can trigger symptoms for those with lung conditions, like asthma.
If the weather makes your symptoms worse and you need to use your inhaler more, talk to your pharmacist, contact your GP or NHS 111. pic.twitter.com/Qekv4lima2— NHS (@NHSuk) August 27, 2026
The service monitors five major pollutants:
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
- Particulate Matter (PM10)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- Ozone (O3)
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
The Government says timely information can help people make informed decisions about activities and reduce their exposure when pollution levels are high.
People can now sign up for the Government's air quality alerts service through GOV.UK.
Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Sir Chris Whitty warned that air pollution remains a major health issue.
He said: “Air pollution is an extremely important, solvable health problem that causes ill health throughout the life course, from poor pregnancy outcomes through childhood lung disease to causing long-term health conditions including cancers, heart disease and stroke.”
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He added: “The health impacts are greatest for the most vulnerable - children, pregnant women and people with preexisting cardiovascular or lung conditions.”
The new alert system forms part of the Government's wider plans to tackle air pollution and follows a commitment in its Environmental Improvement Plan to improve access to pollution information.
Ministers are also looking at measures including simpler industrial permits and tougher emissions standards for new wood-burning appliances.
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