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Urgent warning over ‘toxic cocktail’ of dirty air that could trigger deadly attacks next week
MILLIONS of Brits have been told to take “extra precautions” as a cloud of dirty air is set to engulf the country this week.
High levels of pollution combined with warm temperatures could cause a “toxic cocktail”, which could pose a threat to people suffering asthma and other lung conditions.
Over half of all those with asthma say that toxic air is a trigger for their symptoms[/caption]
Leading charity Asthma and Lung UK, have urged people with lung conditions to take their daily preventer medication as prescribed and carry a reliever inhaler at all times.
They also suggested that people avoid strenuous exercise outside and for those who live near busy roads – where pollution is highest to keep their windows closed.
According to the charity, a recent survey found that over half (53 per cent) of all those with asthma say that toxic air is a trigger for their symptoms.
Pollutants found in toxic air in the air irritate the airways, making them swell and tighten up. This can cause breathing problems and trigger asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.
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Extreme heat makes pollution worse by slowing down air flow, meaning polluted air remains at ground level for longer.
UK AIR, the UK’s air pollution alert system predicted high levels of pollution in the East of England, with the rest of England forecast to experience moderate levels of pollution.
High air pollution episodes in the UK are generally rare, but are likely to become more frequent because of climate change.
Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “With air pollution forecasted to be higher than normal in England next week, along with high temperatures, people with lung conditions could be facing a toxic cocktail of dirty air that could increase the risk of asthma attacks and symptom flare-ups.
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“We know that half of people with asthma and COPD are triggered by air pollution, so we’re urging people to be vigilant and take extra precautions to protect themselves,” she added.
She also said the forecast should be a “wake-up call” to government to “commit to improve air pollution alerts so more of the public know what they are and what to do on days like this when air pollution spikes”.
Extreme heat slows air flow, meaning polluted air remains at ground level for longer.
The hot weather is now set to continue into next week, with the Met Office predicting highs of 35C this weekend.
A heatwave health warning had been in place until Sunday, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has now extended this to Tuesday August 16.
Chiefs first raised the alarm on Tuesday warning temperatures wouldn’t drop below the low 20s.
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Now, the Met has said temperatures will remain in the high 20s well into the start of next week – with northern regions seeing temperatures decline from Monday.
Medical chiefs have said that young children, those with underlying health conditions and the elderly are more likely to experience adverse health effects.
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Urgent warning to beachgoers of venomous sea creature that makes ‘grown adults cry’ in agony
AN URGENT warning has been issued to Brits about the danger of a venomous fish that has been drawn back to UK shores by recent heatwaves.
Beachgoers have been urged to look out for the creatures, which can cause pain bad enough to make “grown men cry.”
They are brought to UK shores by recent heatwaves[/caption]
The RNLI told sun seekers to be careful at UK beaches due to the possible presence of weever fish that bury themselves in sand, making them hard to spot.
The pesky creatures are protected by spines which, if trodden on, release a potent venom that can cause agony to unlucky victims.
The toxic sting has even been said to be worse than childbirth.
Lifeguards recommend that beachgoers, including swimmers and surfers, wear beach shoes in shallow waters to avoid the sneaky fish.
Another option is for paddlers to drag their feet as they go, disrupting the sand and scaring away hiding weever fish.
On the power of the sting Beau Gillet, an RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said: “I have seen grown men cry and children hardly affected.
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“It really depends on the size of the fish, how you step on it and how your body reacts to the venom.”
The effect of the sting can last 12-24 hours according to the British Sea Fishing website.
They also recommend seeking medical attention if the person stung is a child, elderly person or a person with underlying health conditions or if someone has a particularly severe reaction.
What are weever fish – and how can you avoid them?
THE fish are part of the Trachinida family and there are nine species of them.
However, only two are found in UK waters – the lesser and the greater weever.
The lesser weever is the type which Brits are most likely to come into contact with.
They are aggressive predators, feeding on immature fish, prawns and crustaceans. The creatures have spines containing strong venom on their dorsal fins and on their gill covers.
The species are mostly brown and around four to eight inches long. Stings from the creature were relatively rare, but a growing number have been reported in Plymouth, Cornwall and Kent.
People have been known to become unconscious due to the venom.
In 2001 jogger Carrie Kelly was knocked unconscious by a weever sting while out on Aberavon beach in Port Talbot.
While schoolgirl Eve Austin developed a rare condition leaving her in a wheelchair after being stung by the fish on a family holiday in 2016.
According to NHS Choices, if you are unlucky enough to get stung at the beach you should not pee on the area, cover it with vinegar or close the wound.
It recommends soaking in hot water and removing the spines from the skin with tweezers or a bank card.
Official advice if you are stung is to soak the affected area in “very hot” water for at least half an hour to draw the venom out.
The statement concluded: “If the spine is stuck in your foot, it is also advised that you pull it out with tweezers or the edge of a bank card.
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“Do not touch the spine with bare hands.”
This comes as Kent Online reported that weever fish have been found in UK shallow waters during the summer.