VIDEO: Asthma UK boss warning over pollution levels

Kay Boycott, Chief Executive of Asthma UK gives advice on the situation.

Very high levels of air pollution over the next few days are prompting health concerns, as dust from the Saharan desert sweep over the UK.

Asthmatics might need to use their blue reliever inhalers more often as they could be prone to attacks today and over the next few days.

Other people with lung and heart problems, and those who are older, should also avoid strenuous exercise or activity.

The advice, from Public Health England (PHE), Asthma UK and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), comes after a warning that people in parts of England should be braced for the highest level of air pollution recorded by Defra.

The BBC weather centre said the highest recordings on Wednesday were likely to be in East Anglia and the East Midlands, while moderate to high air pollution levels were also forecast for large parts of southern and central England.

However, forecasters say pollution levels could reach high levels later in the day and on Thursday, before clearing on Friday.