Moderate pollution levels in Ballymena

Urban centres and rural areas in Northern Ireland are currently experiencing high levels of air pollution, with high to very high levels being monitored in the Armagh, Belfast, Lisburn, Lough Navar and Newry areas.

This localised air pollution is likely to be associated with the build up of emissions from vehicles and home heating during the current calm, cold weather conditions experienced across Northern Ireland. The forecast is for levels of air pollution to decline with the arrival of wetter, more unsettled weather over the next few days; however, if weather conditions turn out to be drier than forecast, then there is the risk of higher levels.

During periods of high air pollution the symptoms of people with lung or heart disease may worsen. Healthy people are unlikely to experience any ill effects.

Hourly updates on levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide are available on the Department’s website at http://www.airqualityni.co.uk and the Department’s freephone helpline 0800 556 677, which also offers health advice to those who may be particularly sensitive to air pollution.