airTEXT health warning campaign
airTEXT is a service that sends you a warning by text, voice mail or email if air pollution levels in London are expected to reach moderate, high or very high levels in your chosen area of the capital.
The airTEXT website also has a searchable and interactive map of London which allows you to view predicted air pollution levels anywhere in London (similar information is also available for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, Southampton and Sussex through airAlert).
How to sign up to airTEXT alerts
You can sign up to airTEXT on the airTEXT website.
Who needs airTEXT?
airTEXT alerts are particularly useful for anyone who is:
- suffering from asthma, bronchitis, heart problems or similar diseases
- elderly
- young (i.e. children)
Air pollution affects us all and even healthy and fit individuals may notice the effects of air pollution when levels are medium or above. So even if you are in perfect health, airTEXT is an invaluable tool, especially if you:
- cycle, run or walk to work
- exercise outside
- spend a lot of time out-doors.
Health advice about air pollution
Air pollution is serious. As the Health Protection Agency's website explains, people's lives have been shown to be shortened, and on occasions lost, as a result of air pollution.
The airTEXT website contains detailed health advice which identifies the types of health effects you may notice during moderate, high and very high air pollution events. The website also lets you know what you can do to try to avoid being affected by air pollution.
Air pollution levels are normally low in London and most of the time you will not notice any effects on your health, so it is important that you do not become alarmed or panic when you receive an airTEXT alert. The service is simply designed to help you ensure you have any necessary medication at hand during times of high air pollution levels and to help you prepare your day ahead to reduce you exposure.
Spreading the word about airTEXT and air pollution
By spreading the word about airTEXT you can help generate awareness of the service as well as the health issues associated with air pollution. Here are some wasy you can help:
- Let all your friends, family and work colleagues, and anyone you meet who might benefit, know about the airTEXT service
- Include a link to the airTEXT website at the end of emails.
What is Hackney Council doing to promote airTEXT?
Hackney Council fully supports airTEXT and is currently running the following initiatives to support and promote airTEXT:
- We are running an bus stop campaign promoting airTEXT during the Olympics.
- We are promoting airTEXT in doctors surgeries across Hackney
- We are working with businesses to get public facing companies to embrace and publicise airTEXT to the public and their employees
- We are running a staff campaign to ensure that council staff are aware of airTEXT.
More information
If you need any more information about airTEXT, just visit the airTEXT website or contact us using the details at the top-right corner of this page.
Page updated: 12 Jan 2012
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