Warning for people with lung conditions ahead of Eleventh Night bonfires

Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland’s annual survey shows that more than two in five (44%) people with lung conditions surveyed in Northern Ireland said air pollution is a respiratory trigger¹ and nearly seven out of 10 (69.5%) said air pollution impacted their health or made their lung condition worse.²

Breathing in smoke can irritate your airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrow. If you have a lung condition this can trigger symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. 

Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland is highlighting the following top tips to help ensure people with lung conditions stay well during the Eleventh Night celebrations:    

• Stand well back from the bonfire. Check which direction the wind is blowing, so you can avoid breathing in too much smoke
• Take your medicines as prescribed 
• If you use a reliever inhaler, always have it with you. Use it quickly if your symptoms get worse 
• If you use a self-management or action plan, keep a copy with you. Make sure your friends and family know what to do and when to get help if your asthma symptoms suddenly get worse 
• Visit Asthma + Lung UK website to share the charity’s ‘what to do in an asthma attack’ advice with friends and family.  

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Northern Ireland said:   

“As the 11th July approaches, we are urging people with a lung condition to take extra care if they are attending a bonfire display. 

“Smoke from bonfires causes air pollution, which can make lung condition symptoms worse. This includes coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. This can lead to a flare-up or an asthma attack, which can be life threatening and could require hospital treatment.

“Anyone with a lung condition like asthma or COPD should stand well back from the fire and make sure they have their reliever inhaler with them. If they are going with friends and family, remember to share with them what to do in case of an asthma attack. 

“We’re advising people to follow our top tips, such as taking their preventer inhaler as prescribed and keeping their reliever inhaler with them so they can help manage the risks and stay well during the festivities.”

-Ends-

References: 

Data via Asthma + Lung UK’s Life with a Lung Condition survey. The survey ran between February – March 2025, and gained 9387 responses in total across the UK, and 225 responses from people in Northern Ireland.

1. 2 out of 5 (44%) people with lung conditions surveyed in Northern Ireland said air pollution is a trigger - Asthma + Lung UK’s Annual Life with a Lung Condition Survey 2025

2. 7 out of 10 (69.5%) people with lung conditions surveyed in Northern Ireland said air pollution impacted their health or made their lung condition worse - Asthma + Lung UK’s Annual Life with a Lung Condition Survey 2025.