Smog for Shepway: Do we Prefer Public Transport or Breathing?

Summer smog is forecast for tomorrow across the South East, according to the Department for the Environment, Food And Rural Affairs. Smog can have impacts on human health, particularly for those with heart and lung disease. The pollutants which cause smog come from a range of sources, but transport is a major contributor.

Some people are more sensitive to air pollution and may begin to notice an effect on their breathing. People with asthma are not necessarily more sensitive but, if affected, can use their 'reliever' inhaler.

As a result, people sensitive to air pollution are urged to take sensible precautions like avoiding exercise outdoors in the afternoon, which can reduce exposure to ozone.

Summer smog is produced by sun acting on substances in the lower atmosphere such as car fumes and solvents, producing ground level ozone. Smog can also contain elevated levels nitrogen dioxide and breathable dust, known as particulate matter.

High ozone levels are forecast tomorrow and are likely to persist until Saturday, after which cooler conditions and more changeable weather is forecast.

People can help reduce smog by avoiding making unnecessary short car journeys wherever possible, by walking, cycling or making use of public transport instead.

The Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for much stronger environmental controls and especially for better public transport, and were described as the greenist of the main parties by Friends of the Earth at the last election.