London Smoke Quality Advisor

London air quality changes with seasons and weather. Wildfire smoke, vehicle emissions, and industrial activity can make outdoor air harmful. This advisor helps you decide if it is safe to exercise or walk outside based on your plans and health.

The advisor does not replace medical counsel. It gives general guidance based on activity type, time outside, and health factors that increase sensitivity to pollution.

Check Your Activity Risk

Planned Activity

Duration Outside (minutes)

Health Factors (check all that apply)

Asthma or other lung condition Heart disease or high blood pressure Over 65 years old Parent of child under 12 Known sensitivity to air pollution

Current Smoke/Pollution Level

How to Use This Advisor

Start by selecting your activity. If your activity is not in the list, choose "Other Activity" and type the name. Enter how long you plan to be outside. Check any health factors that apply to you.

Select the current air quality level. If you are unsure, choose "Unhealthy" to be safe. The advisor will calculate your risk and suggest protective measures.

After getting results, you can save your preferences for next time, print the advice, or copy the results to share with family or friends.

Real Examples

Morning Jog in Moderate Conditions

Activity: Running, 45 minutes, no health factors

Risk Level: Moderate - Consider shorter routes or earlier timing

Walking with Asthma in Unhealthy Air

Activity: Casual walk, 20 minutes, has asthma

Risk Level: High - Indoor alternatives recommended

What to Keep in Mind

This advisor gives general guidance. Your personal experience may differ.
Check the London Air Quality Network for real-time AQI readings.
Children and pets may be more sensitive than adults.
If you feel irritation in eyes, throat, or lungs, go inside immediately.
Wind direction matters. Smoke may be worse in some streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I still exercise if the air quality is poor?

Light activities like walking may be fine with a mask. Intense exercise like running becomes riskier. The advisor balances your health factors against activity intensity.

What protective measures work best?

N95 or KN95 masks help when outdoors. Indoor gyms with proper ventilation are safer. Shorter duration reduces exposure. Morning air is often cleaner than evening.

How can I stay informed about air quality?

Sign up for air quality alerts from the Mayor of London or the Environment Agency. They send warnings when conditions are dangerous. The advisor is a personal tool, not a replacement for official alerts.