April 3, 2014

expert reaction to high levels of air pollution in England

The Southeast of England has continued to experience high levels of air pollution.

Dr David Smart, The Brooke Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, said:

“The current situation in the South East is a very short term (acute) exposure of the population to relatively high levels of air pollution, which consists of inhalable particles and gases such Nitrogen and Sulphur Oxides.  High levels of air pollution are known to increase the risk of exacerbations of established lung disease such as Asthma and COPD.  In addition to Quartz the sand may contain other minerals, metals, microbes and allergens.  Although sand inhalation is inflammatory in the short term, lung diseases related to it are typically associated with long term (chronic) exposure.  In a short-lived episode such as this, it is sensible for people at risk to follow guidelines and avoid excessive exposure such as strenuous outdoor activity.”

Dr Matthew Loxham, The Brooke Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, said:

“While the combination of meteorological conditions and air pollution levels have brought about the current situation, we are more concerned about the general levels air pollution which do not make the headlines, but which have been recently been estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to cause around 7 million deaths per year worldwide, and which may affect the lung development of children and have as-yet uncharacterised effects on the health of those people exposed to it.  In addition, there is an even greater link between air pollution and effects on the cardiovascular system (e.g. heart disease and stroke).  The cause of this has not yet been established, but is a source of concern and requires much more research to better understand.”