airText - air pollution alerts

Our new airTEXT scheme means you can receive free air pollution alerts by mobile phone text message, voicemail or email. Sign up now!

Poor air quality continues to represent a major environmental problem across London. Air pollution is known to be damaging to people's health and quality of life.

In response, Newham Council has joined with a consortium of London boroughs to introduce a new air pollution early warning service called airText.

The consortium also includes the Environment Agency, Greater London Authority and Health Protection Agency.

Who is airText for?

airText is available to all residents, but is most beneficial to people who are vulnerable to air pollution. You are particularly at risk if you have a cardiovascular condition such as heart disease or a respiratory condition such as asthma.

The advance warning of a high pollution episode will allow you to take precautionary measures: for example, avoid strenuous exercise, take an extra dose of medication, or remain indoors.

How does it work?

Under the scheme anyone who lives or works in the borough can sign up to receive free air pollution alerts by mobile phone text message, voicemail or email.

You will get an airText alert whenever air pollution levels are forecast to be moderate, high or very high.

The alerts can be adapted to suit your needs. You can choose whether to receive the alert on the evening before a high pollution day or on that morning. It will also allow you to receive alerts when you are outside the borough.

For more information please download a PDF copy of the airText leaflet.

How to sign up

To sign up to the airText scheme visit www.airtext.info. Alternatively, you can contact us on 020 8430 3820 or email Pollution.Inquiry@Newham.gov.uk

Pilot scheme success

An airText pilot scheme operating in Croydon since May 2005 has received a positive response. 80 percent of users said it helped them to manage their symptoms better and avoid exposure to air pollution.

Air Quality Information service

Please note that airText is different to our Air Quality Information service. airText forecasts future air quality levels; the Air Quality Information service gives information about the current levels of air pollution.