People with lung disease should make sure they are not exposed to ash from the Icelandic volcano, the World Health Organisation has warned.
It said that about 25 per cent of the ash in the atmosphere above Europe was small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs – at less than ten microns in size.
Director of public health Dr Maria Neira said: "Since the ash concentration may vary from country to country depending on the wind and air temperatures, our advice is to listen to local public health officials for the best guidance for individual situations.
"If people are outside and notice irritation in their throat and lungs, a runny nose or itchy eyes, they should return indoors and limit their outdoor activities."
* Meanwhile bone marrow donation emerged as a major casualty of the suspension of air travel across Europe last night.
The Anthony Nolan Trust said its couriers were struggling to reach their destinations.
As many as 16 bone marrow transplants are thought to have been cancelled in Britain in the last few days.
There were also reports of key staff being unable to return to work in hospitals.
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