 Brighton and Hove is one of the areas with moderate pollution levels |
Smog produced in the heatwave has seen twice as many people going to hospital in one badly affected area of Kent. Government officials say the reason for the rise in smog levels, thought to be the worst in 10 years, is a combination of sun and pollutants such as car fumes.
Among the areas with high levels of air pollution are Rye, Detling, Luton on the outskirts of Chatham, and Stoke on the Isle of Grain.
Areas with moderate levels are Hastings, Brighton and Hove, Minster, Dover and Folkestone.
Chest disease
The smog is particularly affecting people suffering with asthma and other chest conditions.
Dr Alaisdair Stewart, chief consultant from Medway Maritime Hospital, said: "At the moment we are probably seeing a doubling in the numbers of people attending A&E.
"Certainly an increase in numbers of patients admitted with chest related problems.
"More so than one would normally expect in the summer months which is generally a good time for people with chest disease."
Barbecues as well as car fumes add to the pollution causing smog, according to officials.
They advise using cars less and checking pollution levels before lighting a barbecue.
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