Mystery over strange air quality readings in Offaly amid major health concerns

A mystery over very poor air quality over one Offaly town has apparently been solved after causing confusion and concern locally.

A social media user shared the air quality readings from their phone on social media and asked if anyone knew what could be causing them.

The readings for air quality were at level nine, an extremely high reading considering Dublin City centre would normally measure at around 3 or 4 on the same metric.

The user posted to a local social media page used by the people of Edenderry: "Anyone any idea what the story is with the air quality in Edenderry recently. It’s been showing as high as 6 the last week and today it’s at 9. For context, rush hour Dublin City centre is about a 3."

People were left baffled by the strange readings but Offaly weather expert Cathal Nolan had a very simple explanation.

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"The reason the air quality is bad at the moment is due to the colder calm weather, persistent fog and increased burning of solid fuels," he explained.

"What happens is that under high pressure and no air movement the particular matter from turf, wood, coal and other solids gets trapped at surface level and mixes with the fog to form smog.

"In some circumstances, as is the case now, this leads to dangerously low levels of air quality and can cause respiratory issues for those who have any underlying conditions as well as pulmonary issues.

"This will resolve itself when the winds pick up on Saturday, but between now and then air quality will be poor, especially in lower lying parts of the town," he concluded.