Free Slough council text alerts to health sufferers on pollution
Slough Borough Council, along with other local authorities in London, will be offering a free text service to people who suffer from heart or breathing problems to warn them of high air-pollution days.
The council is the only local authority outside of London to offer airTEXT, a text service which will enable 300 residents in Slough to sign up and receive daily messages on the quality of air in the borough.
It is hoped the service will help reduce the effects pollution has on people who suffer from illnesses such as asthma, emphysema and heart disease.
It works by sending alerts and health advice to people who are most at risk and advance warning of higher pollution levels allowing them to take precautionary measures like remaining indoors, avoiding excessive exercise or carrying their reliever medication with them.
Monica Wilsch, environmental quality manager for Slough Borough Council said: “airTEXT is a great device for anyone who may suffer from breathing or heart problems and can be received on their mobile, home phone or via email.
“It is absolutely free to sign up to and could help many residents by alerting them to the quality of air in the borough on each day.
“It’s was launched in Croydon two years ago and has received a positive response. Eighty percent of users, responding to the Croydon survey, stated that airTEXT helped them to manage their symptoms better and reduce their exposure to air pollution.”
Residents can sign up for the free service by calling 020 8760 5483 or register online at www.airtext.info
Slough Borough Council