Experts have warned people with lung or heart conditions to limit their activities outdoors during this week’s sunny spell, with “toxic levels” of pollution expected to fill the air.
The warm weather is anticipated to bring thousands out into the sunshine, but the upswing in the temperature coincides with warnings that pollution levels are on course to break Scottish safety standards.
Air masses from the north of Europe are expected to bring increased levels of toxic fumes to ground level over the coming days, breaking World Health Organisation and Scottish regulatory safety standards, according to Scotland’s official air quality forecasting service.
Director of Friends of the Earth Scotland, Richard Dixon, said: “The air pollution forecast is predicting a wide spread of pollution across Scotland .
“Sadly, a sunny day in the countryside could be the last thing any sensitive person needs this week.
“People with existing lung or heart conditions are the most at risk from this air pollution episode.
“If the forecast becomes a reality, the official health advice is that adults and children with lung and heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider limiting strenuous physical activity, especially outdoors.”
