By: William O’Toole

Air pollution could cause problems for people with breathing difficulties over the coming days after authorities in England issued a status yellow warning for toxic fog this afternoon.

Dust cloud sucked up from the Saharan desert, coupled by the forecast rise in temperatures and a high pollen count could cause problems for the young, the elderly and people with asthma and COPD.

The Department for Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs in England issued the warning about the potential for toxic fog over the coming days and parts of Ireland, especially Leinster could be at risk.

The risk of air pollution is expected to last from tomorrow until Sunday, with the most severe days being Saturday and Sunday.

While England and Wales are likely to experience the worst of this, there is a danger that winds could push the toxic fog into Ireland.

People with breathing difficulties are advised to be aware of the potential for this and use their inhalers more if required.

Wicklow Weather have also issued a air pollution alert for the coming days and have said that asthma and COPD sufferers should be aware of the threat.