Five million asthmatics were today warned to stay indoors because of a potentially-lethal cloud of Saharan sand, toxic air and local pollution over Britain.
Even those without health difficulties have been told by experts to reduce outdoor exercise, with air pollution set to hit 10 out of 10 in some areas.
Britons are being warned they may suffer breathing problems, with parts of the South Coast, West Country, Midlands and South Wales worst affected.
Those in affected areas are advised to reduce the strenuous outdoor exercise they do, especially if they start to suffer from a cough or sore throat.
Adults and children with lung problems, heart problems and pensioners should avoid vigorous activity today and tomorrow, according to doctors.
And asthmatics are being warned that they could suffer flare-ups, with experts saying they might need to use inhalers more frequently for a few days.
Asthma UK chief executive Kay Boycott issued a warning today many of the 5.4million people who suffer from the breathing condition in Britain.
She said: ‘The two thirds of people with asthma who find that air pollution makes their asthma worse will be at an increased risk of an attack.’
In many other parts of the country, levels could still be high enough to cause problems even among healthy people.
Dr Paul Cosford, the medical director for Public Health England, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘Clearly this is a serious issue.
‘We are having a small number of days where we have very high air pollution levels. For the vast majority of people it will cause no harm, Daily Mail informs.
