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Air Pollution: Public Health

Question for Department of Health and Social Care

UIN HL2669, tabled on 21 February 2024

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish guidance on how people can protect themselves from the harms of air pollution.

Answered on

28 February 2024

The Government makes a wide range of information available to the public through the UK-Air website and on social media. This includes a five-day forecast, latest local measurements from nationwide monitoring networks and health advice informed by the work of the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants.

Air quality forecasts are communicated using the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI). The DAQI informs the public about air pollution levels in their area and provides health advice in the form of recommended actions that can be taken by the general public and susceptible individuals. As part of the Air Quality Information System review, the Government are conducting an evaluation assessing the appropriateness and effectiveness of the current DAQI.