People across the UK can now sign up for a new air quality alerts service, giving them an easy way to check local pollution levels through accurate, up-to-date information.

Millions of people live with conditions made worse by poor air quality, and treating lung conditions and asthma costs the NHS millions of pounds each year.

The new service allows people to select an area – such as their home, workplace or local park – and receive an alert by SMS or email when air pollution is forecast to be high.

By bringing air quality information together in one trusted, accessible place, the service gives people a one stop shop to stay informed about pollution levels in the areas that matter most to them.

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said:

We want everyone to have access to clear, reliable information about the air they breathe.

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.

Better access to air quality information is another way this government is tackling air pollution and protecting people’s health.

Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Sir Chris Whitty 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.

The health impacts are greatest for the most vulnerable – children, pregnant women and people with preexisting cardiovascular or lung conditions.

Air pollution can affect everyone, but some people are particularly vulnerable to its effects, including people with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Having timely information about pollution levels can help people make informed decisions about their activities and take steps to reduce their exposure.

The service tracks five key pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Particulate Matter (PM10), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2).

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Its launch delivers on a commitment in the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan to improve access to air pollution information and help people protect their health.

People can sign up for alerts and check air quality information through GOV.UK.

The new service forms part of wider government action to tackle air pollution and protect public health. This includes taking steps to reform areas like simpler industrial permits and consulting on tightening emissions standards for new wood burning appliances to reduce health impacts.