Fireworks, bonfires lead to air pollution in Britain

Fireworks and bonfires have contributed to high levels of air pollution in parts of Britain, with soot particles trapped near the ground.



Maps from the Met Office, Britain's national meteorological service, showed elevated air pollution across southeast England, particularly in London, where levels reached the maximum of 10 on a 10-point scale.



Concentrations of fine particulate matter began climbing after Thursday's Bonfire Night celebrations, which featured fireworks and bonfire displays.



PM2.5 levels in Hillingdon, London spiked to around 600 units on Monday, according to the report.



The World Health Organization recommends a 24-hour average of no more than 15.



These soot particles, 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair, can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause breathing difficulties in people with asthma and lung disease.



They can also enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, Imperial College London was quoted as saying.



High pressure has created stagnant conditions that prevent pollutants from dispersing