BRITAIN has been placed on a health alert because a potentially dangerous cloud of air pollution is blowing over the country.
Experts said the smog could cause fatal asthma attacks and have warned the elderly and those with health problems to be cautious. Residents in Ludlow, Tenbury and surrounding areas have been told the warning is at the highest level of moderate - six out of 10.
The health advice from Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), for level six is this: "Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors."
Wales and the West Country have higher warning levels.
Defra said air pollution was blowing in from Europe and mixing with home-grown smog to create the problem.
Officials warned this could trigger health difficulties for those with respiratory illnesses and the elderly, although it does not pose a health threat for the general population.
Large parts of England will see air pollution climb to moderate levels today while parts of the north will see it hit nine out of 10.
A Defra spokeswoman said: "Winds bringing in pollution from the continent, combined with locally generated pollution and still weather conditions has led to some high pollution measurements across the UK.
"Levels are expected to return to low by Friday."
Most of Herefordshire is on a level 4 warning, the lowest in the moderate band.
To check the forecast and for all the information go the Defra website
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here