Air pollution: Bolton residents warned to limit activity

It comes as Bolton has been warned with a yellow alert for thunderstorms on Thursday.

A text message alert sent out by Clean Air Greater Manchester says there is a ‘moderate’ air pollution alert in force on Wednesday.

It adds: “At-risk people with symptoms should CONSIDER REDUCING activity.”

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According to the forecast on the organisation’s website, most of the alert seems to be caused by increased ozone pollution.

All of Greater Manchester's boroughs are experiencing moderate air pollution today (Image: Clean Air Greater Manchester/Google)

Earlier this year, Professor Hugh Coe explained how ozone pollution can affect people on the ground.

Unlike pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, which is emitted from human sources such as car exhausts, ozone is formed and removed naturally, and can be found at the ground-level and high up in the stratosphere.

High-up in the stratosphere, ozone protects us harmful UVC rays which can cause cancer.

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At ground level, however, it can cause problems – and government data shows a long-term increase in urban ozone levels.

The pollutant forms when sunlight triggers a complex series of chemical reactions between other pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds – human-made chemicals found in products including paints, cleaning supplies, and office equipment.

Today, vulnerable residents across all 10 of Greater Manchester’s boroughs have been warned to reduce their activity.

Advice on the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs website reads: “Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.