High air pollution alert issued for London
City Hall issued the warning for Thursday after Imperial College London forecasters detected an increase in air pollution from mainland Europe.
Predicted light winds combined with local sources of pollution in London would contribute to high pollution levels, the scientists said.
Londoners are advised to switch vehicle engines off when idling and to refrain from burning wood or garden waste.
"This is particularly important in order to protect those who are most vulnerable," said Mete Coban, the deputy mayor of environment and energy.
Coban said London's toxic air was "responsible for around 4,000 premature deaths in the capital each year".
"Which is why the mayor has done everything in his power to tackle it," he added.
He urged Londoners to "look after themselves" during the pollution alert.
City Hall issues alerts to Londoners, schools and local boroughs when moderate, high or very high air pollution is forecast.
High air pollution alerts are also displayed at all bus stop countdown signs, as well as on the Underground.
An air quality report published last year said high pollution episodes were now a "rare occurrence" in London.
It said between 2018 and 2023, 19 high pollution alerts were issued and 217 moderate pollution alerts, "enabling Londoners to increase their awareness of high pollution episodes and take precautionary action on these days".
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
Campaigners fear mayor not prioritising clean air
Pollution causes harm at all stages of life - report
Do clean-air zones like London's Ulez work?
Pollution alerts
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Long Islander captures video of 'incredibly insane' lightning outside his home
It lit up the Long Island sky. A 10-mile long bolt of lightning caused quite a spectacle when it appeared in the sky over Bayport, Long Island Wednesday night. The natural wonder illuminated the sky behind the waterfront home of retired FDNY fireman Kenny Gunther — and luckily he caught it on camera. Advertisement Gunther told The Post he was watching TV when he felt the floor under his feet rumbling, and then saw a flash outside his window. 'I just grabbed my iPhone and I just stick it on the windowsill in my bedroom facing south with their widest angle, and I just had it record,' he recalled. A bolt of lightning appeared behind the Bayport, Long Island home of Kenny Gunther, who captured it on camera. Kenneth Gunther Advertisement 'I turn all the lights off and I'm just sitting there quiet. And then all of a sudden I saw that lightning and I said, 'Oh my God, I think I just got that!' And I went back and watched it and I said, 'Holy cow, that is freaking amazing.'' Gunther said what appeared in his video wasn't even the entire length of the lightning bolt. 'It actually went out of frame. That thing had to be 10 miles wide,' he said. 'And that one wasn't even that much of a clap of thunder. But the one before that was, that's the one that shook the house.' Advertisement Gunther said the house was ravaged by three feet of water during Hurricane Sandy before he bought it in 2018. Kenneth Gunther He sent the video to Islandwide Weather's Facebook page — run by two Long Island weather enthusiasts — who posted it that same night. The post garnered more than 100,000 views and over 170 comments marveling over the 'incredibly insane' sight. Advertisement 'I thought a nuke dropped. I didn't know what to do,' one person said. 'Mother Nature gave us a beautiful show,' another added. 'It's like from a movie,' someone else wrote, while another said, 'Not sure this is a good sign for Earth.'
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
Panic spreads over exaggerated claims of 'tentacled' rabbits invading US
Shocking images of rabbits with deformities on their heads are spreading across platforms in posts warning about a mysterious "black tentacle virus" that can infect other species, with some calling for the animals to be shot if encountered. While the affliction is real and stems from a cancer-causing strain similar to the human papillomavirus, experts say it is nothing new and is not dangerous to humans or any other species besides rabbits. "WARNING: 'DO NOT TOUCH!' - RABBITS INFECTED WITH BLACK TENTACLE VIRUS," says an August 14, 2025 Facebook post sharing dramatic photos of rabbits with thick, spiky growths on their heads. "In Colorado, wild rabbits are being found with black, horn-like growths erupting from their heads caused by a mysterious viral infection. Officials warn it can spread to pets through direct contact. #rabbitsinfected #blacktentaclesvirus." The images circulated widely across social media, with some posts suggesting that people shoot the infected animals if encountered in the wild. "If I see tentacles sprouting out of somebody's head because they decided to touch one of the ... rabbits, click clack boom," a person says in an August 13 video viewed over 12,000 times on TikTok. Computer-generated images of bunnies with tentacles coming out of their noses later started spreading online. But wildlife experts told AFP that while the posts reference a real disease, they are exaggerated (archived here). The condition is not new and does not pose a serious threat to humans or other animal species. The reported sightings likely stem from the same few rabbits being spotted by different residents, Colorado wildlife services said, and most rabbits can live normally with the condition, which occasionally clears on its own. Advanced cases of the condition have been documented over the years. AFP was, for instance, able to identify the rabbit in one of the pictures shared online as a taxidermied cottontail from the University of Kansas Natural History Museum's collection by matching the background to that of a photo from a 2015 history blog (archived here). 'Same rabbits' Kara Van Hoose, northeast region public information officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, told AFP on August 13 that the pictures likely show an outbreak of Shope papillomavirus in the Fort Collins area (archived here and here). "We have started to take more reports of rabbits in the northern Colorado area affected with the virus since photos were first published last Friday," she told AFP August 13. "We're up to maybe a dozen or so reports, but it's most likely people reporting the same rabbits and not a dozen rabbits infected." The disease, spread through biting insects including fleas and ticks, causes wart-like growths, usually on the face and neck of rabbits. The animals can also clear the virus from their systems on their own in most cases, which remain benign. "We would be concerned only if the growths are on the eyes or impede the rabbit's ability to eat," Van Hoose said. The growths on rabbits have been observed in the United States for well over a hundred years, experts say, and were first documented by Richard Shope in 1933 (archived here). The cases are even thought to have inspired the American myth of the "jackalope" (archived here). "Using historical specimens in mammal collections here at the University of Kansas, we have been able to recover the virus from a hundred-year-old preserved specimen of an eastern cottontail," said Robert Timm, an associate professor emeritus from the University of Kansas who has studied the disease in rabbits (archived here). Not dangerous to humans Timm also dismissed the claims that the August 2025 sightings amount to a "recent invasion" that could threaten humans. "The virus has been in the environment for perhaps tens of thousands of years," he said August 14. Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not recommend killing the infected rabbits if found in nature, but "as with any wildlife, pets should not interact or come in contact with the rabbits," Van Hoose said. Karen Fox, a pathologist at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (archived here), confirmed the virus does not affect humans, dogs, or cats. Domesticated bunnies, however, are at risk of catching the virus from a wild infected specimen. Fox cautioned the disease "is often more severe in pet rabbits than in wild rabbits." "The best way to prevent infections in pet rabbits is to keep pet rabbits indoors, especially during the summer and fall months when insect activity is highest," she told AFP on August 15. According to University of Kansas's Timm, there are no known cases of this virus ever being transmitted to humans either from mosquitoes or rabbits. AFP previously investigated other claims about wild animals and viruses.
Time Business News
18 hours ago
- Time Business News
How to Choose the Right Tattoo Studio: A Complete Guide
Getting a tattoo is a significant decision that will stay with you for life. Whether it's your first piece or an addition to your collection, selecting the right studio can make the difference between a masterpiece and a regrettable experience. The process involves more than just picking a design—it requires careful research to find skilled tattoo artists who prioritize safety and quality. Many people make the mistake of choosing a studio based solely on price or convenience. However, when it comes to permanent body art, cutting corners can lead to poor results, infections, or worse. This guide will help you navigate the selection process and find a safe tattoo studio that meets your needs. Start by compiling a list of potential studios near you. If you're in Ontario, for example, Hamilton tattoo studios offer diverse styles and experienced artists worth considering. Use online directories, social media platforms, and local recommendations to create your initial list. Look for studios with strong online presences and positive reviews. Pay attention to recent feedback from clients, as this reflects current standards and service quality. Studios that regularly post fresh work on Instagram or Facebook typically demonstrate active engagement with their craft. A safe tattoo studio should be your non-negotiable requirement. Visit potential studios in person to assess their cleanliness standards. The workspace should be spotless, with artists using disposable needles, fresh ink cups, and sterile equipment for each client. Check that the studio holds proper licensing and health department certifications. These should be visibly displayed. Ask about their sterilization procedures—professional studios use autoclaves to sterilize reusable equipment and follow strict hygiene protocols. Artists should wear fresh gloves throughout the process and change them frequently. The tattoo area should be cleaned and prepared properly, and aftercare instructions should be provided in writing. Skilled tattoo artists will proudly showcase their work through comprehensive portfolios. Review these carefully, looking for consistency in line work, shading, and overall execution. Each artist typically specializes in certain styles, whether traditional, realism, watercolor, or geometric designs. Don't be afraid to ask to see healed tattoos alongside fresh ones. Healing reveals the true quality of work—colors should remain vibrant, lines should stay crisp, and details should remain clear after the initial healing period. The consultation process reveals much about a studio's professionalism. Quality artists will discuss your ideas thoroughly, offer suggestions for improvement, and explain the tattooing process clearly. They should answer your questions patiently and provide realistic timelines for completion. Professional studios require deposits and maintain organized booking systems. They should also be transparent about pricing and willing to provide written estimates for larger pieces. Inquire about each artist's experience level and training background. Established artists often have apprenticeship histories or formal training they're willing to discuss. While newer artists can produce excellent work, ensure they're working under proper supervision and have completed adequate training. Ask how long the studio has been operating and whether artists have experience with your desired style or size of tattoo. Some techniques require specialized skills that not all artists possess. After conducting your research, trust your gut feeling about the studio and artist. You should feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. If anything feels off during your consultation—whether it's cleanliness concerns, communication issues, or pressure tactics—consider other options. Once you've found a safe tattoo studio with skilled tattoo artists who meet your criteria, you're ready to move forward. Remember that quality work requires investment, both financially and time-wise. Rushing the selection process or choosing based solely on price often leads to disappointment. Take time to properly research your options, visit studios in person, and ask detailed questions. Your future self will thank you for choosing carefully and prioritizing quality over convenience. The right studio will provide not just a beautiful tattoo, but a positive experience that makes the permanent addition to your body something you'll treasure for years to come. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
