Overview
- Health guidance urges those with asthma to wear a mask or scarf at fireworks and bonfire events to reduce smoke exposure.
- NHS figures indicate about 7.2 million people in the UK have asthma, with roughly 5.4 million receiving treatment including 1.1 million children.
- Smoke from bonfires and fireworks can irritate and inflame airways, with risks heightened by fine PM2.5 particles and gases such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.
- Recommended precautions include taking prescribed preventer medication, carrying a reliever inhaler, keeping an asthma action plan handy and standing upwind of smoke.
- People are advised to seek immediate medical help if symptoms escalate, with 999 recommended when no on‑site medical team is available.