Texts warn residents of air pollution

12.24.13pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 5th Apr 2007

A pioneering new service warning asthma sufferers and people with breathing difficulties of high levels of air pollution has been launched in the borough.

Richmond Council is one of 20 authorities in London to sign up to the airTEXT project. Under the free service people with asthma, emphysema, bronchitis and heart problems can sign up to receive alerts and health advice on their mobile phone, voicemail or email. Advance warning of higher pollution levels allows them to take precautionary measures such as remaining indoors, avoiding excessive exercise or carrying their medication with them. Separate forecasts are generated for each London borough and residents are able to select which part of the capital they receive alerts for. They can also choose to receive them on the evening before or the morning of a predicted high air pollution day.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said:??"Air pollution levels in the borough are generally low but when they do rise, people with breathing problems can be seriously affected. This excellent free service will provide them with crucial information about peak periods of air pollution and help them manage their symptoms better and avoid exposure. I urge anyone who feels they will benefit from this new service to sign up free of charge."