PARTS of Northern Ireland are suffering from very high or high levels of air pollution in the still, cold weather.
Cities across the north are experiencing very high levels of pollutants known as particulate matter, or PMs, which come from sources such as traffic emissions, in particular diesel engines.
Areas affected include Belfast, Derry, Armagh and Newry.
The high levels of pollution are believed to be as a result of local pollution sources such as road vehicles and home heating emissions combined with cold, calm weather conditions in which pollutants are not being dispersed.
Moderate levels are also being monitored in some other urban centres across Northern Ireland.
Swathes of the UK including London, the south east and eastern regions are also experiencing problems with pollution.
During periods of high pollution the symptoms of people with lung or heart disease may worsen. High levels of pollution can also cause people with asthma to need to use their inhaler more often.
Healthy people are unlikely to experience any ill effects.
Areas across the UK have reported spikes in air polution,while in London, one of the worst hit areas, Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued pollution alerts at Tube stations, bus stops and roadsides.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs the high level of pollution across the north were expected to begin to clear last night and into today as winds strengthen.
In November last year 'high levels' of air pollution were reported in Belfast and Derry, while in December 2014 a 'very high' level was recorded in Newry within a 24 hour period.
Hourly updates on levels of pollution can be found on the department's website www.airqualityni.co.uk and freephone helpline 0800 556677
