Asthmatics have been urged to take extra care amid predictions pollution levels will rocket across the country. Britain’s elderly and those with health conditions have been told to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. Filthy air combined with near-record temperatures could trigger a spike in summer deaths, experts have warned. Public Health England (PHE) said there were around 75 excess deaths per week in during the summer of 2006 due to sustained high temperatures and high pollution.

A statement on its Heatwave Plan for England said: “The main causes of illness and death during a heatwave are respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. “A linear relationship between temperature and weekly mortality was observed in England in summer 2006, with an estimated 75 extra deaths per week for each degree of increase in temperature. “Part of this rise in mortality may be attributable to air pollution, which makes respiratory symptoms worse. “The other main contributor is the effect of heat on the cardiovascular system.” Campaigners have urged at-risk people to take extreme care with the more able asked to keep an eye on elderly friends, neighbours and relatives.

The Met Office with Public Heath England has upgraded a heat health watch alert to level 3.

Filthy air combined with near-record temperatures could trigger a spike in summer deaths.

We have become used to seeing winter death figures every year, but it is important to remember people can die when temperatures are high for extended periods especially when there is also poor air quality Malcolm Booth

Malcolm Booth, chief executive for the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (NFOP), said: “All extremes of weather, including summer heat can have a devastating effect on people, especially the most vulnerable. “We have become used to seeing winter death figures every year, but it is important to remember people can die when temperatures are high for extended periods especially when there is also poor air quality. “It would be very sad to see any significant increase in deaths due to this hot weather so it is very important to take precautions. “I would advise people to stay indoors during the hottest period of the day, keep curtains closed to keep temperatures down inside the house and stay hydrated. “It is also important to make sure elderly friends and neighbours are alright and not struggling in this very hot weather.”

European air monitoring service Prev’Air said low-level ozone can trigger breathing problems.

DEFRA (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) said pollution levels will start to rise on Tuesday. Eastern and southeastern England will see moderate levels by the middle of the week although pockets of high pollution could span nationwide. While the whole country is at risk through the middle part of the week the southeast, which will see the highest temperatures, is in the firing line. A DEFRA spokesman said: “Widespread areas of moderate air pollution are forecast for the east and southeast of England on Tuesday.

“Areas of Moderate with isolated spots of High for southeastern parts on Wednesday. “Widespread Moderate air pollution with isolated High areas possible across much of England on Thursday and Friday.” The Met Office with Public Heath England (PHE) has upgraded a near-nationwide heat health watch alert to a level-3 ‘Heatwave Action’ – one step below ‘National Emergency’. Hot, sunny weather will persist through the week with temperatures unlikely to dip below threshold values overnight, it warns.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said pollution levels will start to rise.

It states: “Thresholds could be breached in places from Monday onwards, with very warm and muggy overnight conditions. “Yorkshire and Humber and southwest England will also see temperatures rise through the week, but with cloud and outbreaks of rain affecting the north and west, there is a lower risk of thresholds being reached.” The alert will remain in place until Friday morning although there is a chance it could be extended into the weekend, according to Government health officials. European air monitoring service Prev’Air said low-level ozone, which can trigger breathing problems even in healthy people, will build over the coming days. Charities have warned breathing polluted air is linked to serious illness including heart disease, lung cancer and stroke.

Alison Cook, director of policy at the British Lung Foundation, said: “It’s important to take care during periods of high or moderate air pollution - especially if you have a lung condition like asthma or COPD, as you could find that your symptoms get worse. “We advise patients to check Defra’s air pollution forecast, avoid congested areas where possible, and always carry your medication. “If you do feel that your condition is worsening, contact your healthcare professional – don’t just wait for the pollution levels to subside. “We know that exposure to dirty air is linked to respiratory disease, lung cancer, stroke and heart disease, and that it stunts the growth children’s lungs.”

Charities have warned breathing polluted air is linked to serious illness.