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All around London, warning about the sudden increase in air pollution has been announced. From bus stops, tube stations, and road signs, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, decided to put up the warnings to alert the public. Citizens of London say they have experienced the effects of air pollution before but it’s different this time.

According to reports, this is the highest air pollution level that London has ever reached. Even the most physically fit individuals will be affected and are advised to take extra precautions. Mayor Khan says “the shameful state of London’s toxic air” made him decide to alert everyone in the city.

The sudden increase of air pollution is said to be from the cold yet settled weather of the city. For that reason, the wind is not blowing away the pollution generated in the last few days so it’s all contained. At the moment, the city has a PM10 concentration which is more than twice the advisable limit while the air quality limit is at its highest.

Gary Fuller from King’s College London Environmental Research Group says this kind of incident can happen a couple of times every year. The last time a spike of air pollution was experienced in London was just last month and since then, a number of high-level warnings have been issued.

One citizen said she felt very sick as she was walking her dog in the streets, resulting in a sore throat. She said the pollution is so bad she felt like she was in a closed room with an engine running. She needed to cover her nose and face in the streets. “Now and again it's bad but not like today. You could taste the pollution.” She added.

The government advises individuals with lung and heart problems, children and adults, to take extra precautions during this time and to avoid physical activities that could be strenuous. Individuals diagnosed with asthma will likely need their inhalers more frequently during these time.