Cornwall has been placed on a health alert because a potentially dangerous cloud of air pollution is blowing over the country.
Experts said the smog could cause fatal asthma attacks and have warned the elderly and those with health problems to be cautious. Cornwall residents have been told the warning is at the 'high' level.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), said air pollution was blowing in from Europe and mixing with home-grown smog to create the problem.
Officials warned this could trigger health difficulties for those with respiratory illnesses and the elderly, although it does not pose a health threat for the general population.
While large parts of England will see air pollution climb to moderate levels today in Cornwall it is expected to hit seven out of 10 across wide sparts of the duchy.
Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. Older people should also reduce physical exertion.
Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.
A Defra spokeswoman said: "Winds bringing in pollution from the continent, combined with locally generated pollution and still weather conditions has led to some high pollution measurements across the UK.
"Levels are expected to return to low by Friday."
Kay Boycott, chief executive of Asthma UK, said: "Two thirds of people with asthma find that air pollution makes their asthma worse, putting them at an increased risk of a potentially fatal asthma attack.
"When air pollution is high it's vital people with respiratory conditions including asthma check air pollution forecasts, carry their reliever inhaler with them at all times, and ensure that they are taking their preventer inhaler every day because this will help build resilience to asthma triggers like air pollution.
"People with asthma have told us that on days when air pollution levels are high they feel that they can't even leave the house for fear that it will trigger an attack."
A Met Office spokeswoman said high pressure and very few winds is causing the pollution patch to hang around.
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