Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has launched a new text message service, Air Aware, which will inform subscribers of high air pollution episodes.
The initiative comes after last week’s warning about high levels of air pollution in the Derry area which saw a helpline set up for people with chronic health conditions such as asthma or heart disease.
The alert service is primarily aimed at people who have such chronic health conditions so they can choose whether or not they may wish to, for example, limit their time outdoors or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.
Minister Durkan said the Air Aware service would ensure the people who needed air quality information the most received it.
He added: “For instance, those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease or asthma may find it beneficial to know if air quality is poor, so that they can then choose whether they need to adjust their daily routine when air pollution levels are high.
“My Department currently issues alerts to local media to inform the public of high air pollution events. There were five such alerts this year between January and April. These events usually happen in the winter when cold, calm weather conditions trap pollutants at ground level and there is a high level of households burning solid fuel.
“The service is designed to be easy to use – just text the word ‘AIR’ to 66101. I would also encourage GP surgeries and hospitals to register with the service so that they can work with us in getting the information to those who need it the most.”
The Health Minister Edwin Poots said the air pollution text alert system was an important initiative with the potential for significant benefits for patients with long term conditions.
He added: “Providing warnings to those most likely to be affected, as well as to key health professionals and services that subscribe, should contribute to improved personal and service responses to condition management during such events.”
Subscription to the service is free from any UK mobile phone.
Further details can be found online at: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/air-pollution-and-health.
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