Families across Greater Manchester have been left without clear public health advice as thick wildfire smoke spreads across the city today, campaigners say, despite pollution levels reaching many times higher than the World Health Organization’s daily guideline.
Locals using a handheld AtmoPro air quality monitor recorded a spot PM2.5 reading of 196 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) at 11.20am in Didsbury, South Manchester, this morning. While this was an instantaneous measurement rather than a 24-hour average, it is nonetheless around 13 times higher than the World Health Organization’s 24-hour PM2.5 guideline of 15 µg/m³, illustrating how severe smoke concentrations became during the event.
Residents described smoky skies, poor visibility and the acrid smell of burning vegetation drifting across neighbourhoods.
Despite the visible smoke affecting communities across Greater Manchester, campaigners say residents received no coordinated public health messaging advising people to reduce exposure, protect vulnerable family members or adjust outdoor activities. They also question why DEFRA’s online air pollution information continued to indicate “low” pollution levels while smoke was clearly visible across parts of Greater Manchester.
Parents have expressed concern that there are no dedicated school air pollution alerts comparable to those used in London to help schools reduce children’s exposure during severe pollution episodes.
Liz Godfrey – Greater Manchester coordinator for Mums for Lungs said: “Families can see the smoke, they can smell it and they can taste it. Parents are understandably worried about their children breathing this air, yet there has been no obvious public health warning telling people how to protect themselves from the health effects of wildfire smoke. Why are Greater Manchester residents not being warned?”
“We are calling on local and national leaders to visit the sites of the wildfires and convene an emergency meeting today with public health leaders, the fire service and local councils to coordinate a response. Residents need clear health advice, schools need guidance, and vulnerable people deserve timely warnings when air pollution reaches hazardous levels. The Prime Minister must make tackling air pollution and the climate crisis a priority, as rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves increase the risks facing communities across the UK”
The group is also calling for:
- Immediate public health warnings across Greater Manchester.
- Advice to schools, nurseries and care homes.
- Real-time information about smoke-affected areas.
- Clear health advice for residents, including limiting outdoor activity during periods of heavy smoke.
- People to refrain from burning wood or garden waste, as these contribute to already elevated pollution levels
Dr Louise Turnbull, paediatric respiratory medicine consultant, added: “Wildfire smoke contains very fine particles known as PM2.5, which are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Exposure can worsen asthma and other lung diseases, trigger heart problems and cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with existing heart or respiratory conditions are at greatest risk. During periods of heavy smoke, people should stay indoors where possible, keep windows and doors closed, avoid strenuous outdoor exercise and follow public health advice. If you are struggling, please do increase your inhaler usage as per your asthma action plan and see a doctor if you don’t improve”
Campaign group Parents for Future said today’s smoke event highlights the need for a dedicated air pollution warning system across Greater Manchester so residents receive timely advice whenever pollution reaches levels that could affect health. Its spokesperson said: “Today’s smoke isn’t just the result of a fire on the moors, it is a glimpse of the future if we fail to tackle climate change and prepare our communities. As our climate warms, extreme heat and prolonged dry spells are becoming more common, creating the conditions for larger, more frequent wildfires. Greater Manchester needs a wildfire smoke action plan before the next emergency, not after it.”
