Very high levels of air pollution are currently being monitored in the Derry area, the Department of the Environment has revealed.
As a result, the Department is advising of a helpline set up to advise those whose health may be affected.
During periods of high air pollution the symptoms of people with lung or heart disease may worsen. Healthy people are unlikely to experience any ill effects.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment said the high readings were a direct result of the current weather conditions.
The spokesperson said: “The pollution levels are the result of the cold, calm weather conditions we are currently experiencing, which can lead to the build up of local emissions from vehicles and home heating.”
The spokesperson said the air quality forecast indicated the high levels of air pollution could possibly last until Friday.
The spokesperson gave details of helplines set up for those whose healthy may be affected.
“Hourly updates on levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide are available on the Department’s website: http://www.airqualityni.co.uk and the Department’s freephone helpline 0800 556 677, which also offers health advice to those who may be particularly sensitive to air pollution.”
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