Live DEFRA air quality data and wildfire smoke alerts for smoke allergy sufferers across the UK. Check the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) before leaving home — and know when to close your windows and run your air purifier.
MERV-13 plus activated carbon — captures fine particles and absorbs smoke, cooking & musty odours — no proprietary lock-in, ships from the UK.
Check price →Use code SMOKE10 for 10% off at checkout.What Is the DEFRA DAQI?
The Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) is DEFRA's official measure of UK outdoor air pollution. It rates air quality from 1 (Low) to 10 (Very High) across four key pollutants: PM2.5 particulate matter, PM10 coarser particles, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃). For smoke allergy and asthma sufferers, PM2.5 is the most important indicator — it represents the fine particles that penetrate deepest into the lungs. The DAQI is updated hourly at uk-air.defra.gov.uk across a network of monitoring stations throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
When Should You Close Windows and Run Your Purifier?
Close windows and run your MERV 13/16 air purifier on medium speed when: DAQI reaches 4 (Moderate) or above; there is a local wildfire, bonfire, or fireworks event nearby; the Met Office pollen count is High or Very High (if you have hay fever); or you can smell smoke entering your home. Run on maximum speed and keep windows fully closed when: DAQI reaches 7 (High) or above; there is an active wildfire in your region; it is Bonfire Night and the surrounding weekend; or you are experiencing asthma symptoms. At DAQI 9–10 (Very High), vulnerable individuals — asthmatics, COPD patients, children, elderly — should avoid outdoor exposure entirely.