Air Pollution: Monitoring
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to improve access to real-time local air quality monitoring and forecasts for (a) people with cystic fibrosis and (b) other vulnerable groups.
Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Defra provides the public with access to real-time local air quality monitoring and forecasts, as well as associated health advice, through the Check Air Quality webservice. This information is available to everyone, and specific advice is provided for people with lung or heart conditions.
Defra is continuing to improve the way air quality information is communicated to ensure information reaches the people that need it the most. Last week Government launched a new air quality alert service which allows people to select an area relevant to them, and receive an alert by SMS or email when air pollution is measured or forecast to be high. This will help people who are more susceptible to harm from air pollution, and those who care for them, make informed decisions about reducing exposure during periods of poor air quality.
The Department also works with a range of partners including local authorities, the UK Health Security Agency and health charities to support clearer public messaging on air pollution and health. This includes establishing the Air Pollution Awareness Coalition (APAC); a cross-sector coalition to improve public understanding of air pollution and support action to reduce harm.
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