A SUMMER smog warning has been issued for East Anglia – and those sensitive to air pollution are being told to take precautions.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) issued the warning after the sun's reaction with car fumes and solvents produced high quantities of ground level ozone.

A SUMMER smog warning has been issued for East Anglia – and those sensitive to air pollution are being told to take precautions.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) issued the warning after the sun's reaction with car fumes and solvents produced high quantities of ground level ozone.

As a result, people suffering from heart and lung disease, including asthma, and those sensitive to air pollution are being advised to take extra care.

The warning covers London, the south-east, East Anglia and central England with the high ozone levels expected to persist until tomorrow , after which the weather is set to cool down.

Transport is a major contributor to the pollutants. In addition to the excess ozone, smog can also contain increased levels of nitrogen dioxide and breathable dust.

According to the National Air Quality Information Archive yesterday, air pollution in the East of England was expected to be high in rural areas and towns and cities but moderate near busy roads.

Offering health advice, a spokesman for DEFRA said: “Most people will experience no ill effects. Those suffering from lung diseases, including asthma, particularly if elderly, should be aware that their symptoms might worsen.

“They may need to consider modifying their treatment as they usually do when symptoms increase, consulting their doctor if this is not effective.

“People who have noticed in the past that their breathing is affected on hot, sunny days should avoid strenuous outdoor activity, particularly in the afternoon. Those suffering from a heart condition and who notice a change in their symptoms should get medical advice as they normally would.”

But the warm weather has been a boon in one East Anglian resort, with guesthouses in Southwold and nearby Reydon busy, with the vast majority having “no vacancies” signs on display.

Karen Keable, of the Dunburgh guest house on North Parade, said the season had got off to a fine start.

“Southwold is always going to be popular and we are coming up to peak season but there are a lot of people about. Not only have we seen people wanting to stay in the town but there are a lot of day visitors,” she added.

It was not only the guest houses that were doing good business yesterday as Southwold Pier was crowded with visitors and the beachside ice cream vendors were kept busy all day.