April/May 2007 - London Borough of Hillingdon

environment
A breath of
fresh air
Although most of us will be relieved that summer is just around
the corner, warmer weather often means smog and poor air
quality, a real problem for those suffering from asthma or other
respiratory problems. But the council’s free air pollution alert
service could make life a lot easier, and even save lives.
Those who are most vulnerable to
pollution can now register to
receive airTEXT alerts – advance
warnings of local air pollution levels,
on their mobile phone, via voicemail
or by email. People who sign up can
choose which part of London to
receive alerts for, as well as when to
receive the warning – either the
evening before, or on the morning
of a predicted high pollution day.
Philomena Bach, director of
environment and consumer
protection, said: “We hope this new
service will help to improve the
quality of life of those affected by
pollution and help them to better
manage their condition.”
An estimated 24,000 deaths
associated with air pollution occur
in the UK each year, with just as
many hospital admissions. AirTEXT
is being offered throughout
London, one of the most polluted
parts of the country, so the service
should help to reduce emergency
hospital admissions.The prior
warning of high pollution will mean
Londoners can take the necessary
precautions to protect their health,
such as taking a higher dose of
medication, staying indoors or
avoiding exercise outdoors.
To sign up to the airTEXT
scheme or go to
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/ airtext email
airtext@hillingdon.gov.uk or call
01895 250155.
April/May 2007 • 19