Air quality in Northern Ireland drops as cold weather hits

The air quality in Northern Ireland has dropped as the result of the recent period of cold weather.

According to the Department of Environment (DoE), there have been high amounts of air pollution in the Londonderry and Newry areas, as well as moderate levels in Strabane and Armagh.

It stated: "This localised air pollution is likely to be associated with the build up of emissions from vehicles and home heating during the calm, cold weather conditions."

The DoE added that the cold snap is forecast until tomorrow (December 23rd 2010) and so the air quality could remain low until then.

According to the Met Office, there will be a few snow flurries around the coast tonight, together with severe frost and patchy freezing fog.

The DoE stated that people with lung and heart disease could feel the affects of the pollution more than others and added that their symptoms could worsen as a result.

Posted by Claire Manning