Londoners facing ‘dangerous combination’ of heat and air pollution

WorldEnvironment
12 Aug 2025 • 6:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • City Hall has issued a "high" air pollution alert for London for Tuesday, driven by a combination of a heatwave and existing pollutants.
  • Temperatures are expected to reach 34C, which will significantly increase ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant formed by heat and sunshine reacting with existing air pollution.
  • Experts from Imperial College London noted that wind from mainland Europe will also contribute to elevated ozone levels in the south east.
  • High ozone levels pose health risks, including respiratory problems, worsening asthma, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
  • Mayor Sadiq Khan said “pollution and heat can be a dangerous combination” and urged Londoners to reduce pollution by taking public transport and refraining from burning waste.

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