Health concerns as Scotland forecast to experience high levels of pollution today and tomorrow
Scotland is in the grip of dangerous air pollution episode with people suffering respiratory illnesses advised to stay indoors.
Air masses from northern continental Europe have increased levels of particulate matter through the UK and Scotland significantly increasing pollution levels.
In addition, ground level ozone is expected to form in rural parts of Scotland.
World Health Organisation and Scottish Regulatory safety standards are expected to be broken in over 20 council areas as a result.
Emilia Hanna, air pollution campaigner for Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “There is a widespread forecast of pollution across Scotland which, if it materialises, will see air masses coming in from northern continental Europe combining with toxic fumes from our own car and lorry exhausts, leading to increased levels of air pollution.
“The still weather conditions this weekend will mean that the air pollution may build up, leaving people with lung or heart problems potentially susceptible.
The still weather conditions this weekend will mean that the air pollution may build up, leaving people with lung or heart problems potentially susceptible
“People with existing lung or heart conditions are the most at risk from air pollution episodes. If the forecast becomes a reality, adults and children with lung and heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider limiting strenuous physical activity, especially outdoors.
Campaigners say that despite the Scottish Government continues to break clean air health standards six years after a legal deadline, much more needs to be done to avert these dangerous level forming in future.
Hanna added: “New transport minister Humza Yousaf must deliver a new direction for transport which moves us away from a car is king approach to one where the government makes it easier for us to walk, cycle, and use public transport.
“This is the step change we need to see if the government is to get serious about tackling air pollution, a public health crisis which is claiming over 2,500 lives in Scotland each year.”
