Fine particle pollution: an episode expected this Friday, January 19 in Paris and the Île-de-France region

The meteorological conditions affecting Paris and the Île-de-France region this week, preventing the dispersion of pollutants, are pushing up the level of fine particles in the air. Indeed, very cold weather conditions over the past few days have increased the accumulation of pollutants emitted by wood-burning and combustion vehicles. As a result, a peak is likely to be reached this Friday, January 19, 2024, according to Airparif, which estimates on its bulletin that air quality "will be average to poor in the Île-de-France region".

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In Paris and the inner suburbs - including Essonne, part of Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne - the air quality forecast is poor, especially for fine particles. To cope with this new pollution episode in the Paris region, find out what the Agence Nationale de Santé (French National Health Agency) advises you to do.

Vulnerable and sensitive populations

In all cases

• In the event of respiratory or cardiac discomfort, seek advice from a health professional.
• Choose shorter outings and those requiring less effort.
• Consult your doctor to find out whether your medical treatment needs to be adapted.

In the event of a pollution episode involving the following pollutants : PM10, NO2, SO2

• Avoid areas with heavy traffic during peak periods
• prefer moderate activities

General population

In all cases :

• In the event of respiratory or cardiac discomfort, seek advice from a health professional.
• Choose shorter outings and those requiring the least effort.

In the event of pollution episodes involving PM10, NO2, SO2 :

• Reduce or postpone intense physical and sporting activities (including competitions).

In general :

• Take care not to aggravate the effects of this pollution by engaging in other activities that emit pollutants (e.g. smoking).
• The situation during a pollution episode does not justify confinement measures, so do not change your usual ventilation practices.

Please note that the Préfet de Police has issued traffic recommendations to cope with the pollution peak. Residential parking will also be free on January 19, 2024.

Pedestrian Champs-Elysées: the most beautiful car-free avenue in the world for New Year's Eve 2025 in Paris
The Champs-Elysées are reserved for pedestrians one Sunday a month. An opportunity to discover the world's most beautiful avenue in a different way, and to take a selfie in front of the Arc de Triomphe without a car to spoil the picture. Next dates to note: Tuesday December 31, 2024 and Sunday February 2, 2025. [Read more]