WORCESTERSHIRE, along with the rest of the UK, is on a health alert because a potentially dangerous cloud of air pollution is blowing over the country.

Experts said the smog could cause fatal asthma attacks and have warned the elderly and those with health problems to be cautious.

The county is expected to face a high level of smog, but rural areas should get off more lightly.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), said air pollution was blowing in from Europe and mixing with home-grown smog to create the problem.

Officials warned this could trigger health difficulties for those with respiratory illnesses and the elderly, although it does not pose a health threat for the general population.

Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.

If you have any concerns, please ring 111 in the first instance which will provide help and advice for your condition. If it is more serious this option will not delay an ambulance being dispatched.

To assess what you need to do follow these three steps:

Step 1: Determine whether you (or your children) are likely to be at-risk from air pollution. Information on people who may be affected is provided on the Additional information on the short-term effects of air pollution page. Your doctor may also be able to give you advice.

Step 2: If you may be at-risk, and are planning strenuous activity outdoors, check the air pollution forecast.

Step 3: Use the health messages below corresponding to the highest forecast level of pollution as a guide.

Worcestershire is expecting a level 7 of smog meaning adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms.

People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion.

For more specific advice from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Air Quality Service click here.

Large parts of England will see air pollution climb to moderate levels today while parts of the north will see it hit nine out of 10.

A Defra spokeswoman said: "Winds bringing in pollution from the continent, combined with locally generated pollution and still weather conditions has led to some high pollution measurements across the UK.

"Levels are expected to return to low by Friday."

Kay Boycott, chief executive of Asthma UK, said: "Two thirds of people with asthma find that air pollution makes their asthma worse, putting them at an increased risk of a potentially fatal asthma attack.

"When air pollution is high it's vital people with respiratory conditions including asthma check air pollution forecasts, carry their reliever inhaler with them at all times, and ensure that they are taking their preventer inhaler every day because this will help build resilience to asthma triggers like air pollution.

"People with asthma have told us that on days when air pollution levels are high they feel that they can't even leave the house for fear that it will trigger an attack."

A Met Office spokeswoman said high pressure and very few winds is causing the pollution patch to hang around.

  • Click here for Defra health advice