UK launches phone alert system for air pollution warnings

The United Kingdom government has launched a new public alert system to warn people via text message and email when air pollution reaches high levels in their local area. The opt-in service, announced this week, allows individuals to select specific locations such as their home, workplace, or a local park to monitor. Users will then receive notifications when air pollution is recorded as high or forecast to reach elevated levels in those chosen areas. The system tracks five key pollutants known to be harmful to human health: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and sulphur dioxide (SO2).