For several days now, air quality has been deteriorating in large parts of France, including the Île-de-France region. This episode of fine particle PM 2.5 pollution, caused in particular by heating and road traffic, is intensifying under the effect of a persistent cold snap. Health authorities are calling for vigilance in the face of a direct threat to health.
From Brittany to Hauts-de-France, via Normandy and Île-de-France, concentrations of fine particles have been exceeding alert thresholds in several areas for the past two days. These particles, with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, are light enough to penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, causing serious health effects, particularly in the most vulnerable populations: children, the elderly, pregnant women and people suffering from respiratory pathologies.
In Brittany, Air Breizh describes air quality as "very poor", an unusual situation for this region. Speed restrictions have been introduced in Ille-et-Vilaine in an attempt to reduce emissions. In Paris and the surrounding region, alternating traffic may be considered if conditions persist.
The situation can be explained by current weather conditions. In winter, the layer of air close to the ground compresses under the effect of the cold, trapping pollutants. The main sources identified are heating, particularly wood-burning, and older diesel vehicles. These activities amplify air saturation with PM 2.5.
Atmo Nouvelle-Aquitaine points out a paradox: indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air, as it accumulates pollutants from furniture, household products and insufficient ventilation. It is therefore recommended to air homes briefly, preferably early in the morning, when outdoor pollution levels are lower.
In view of this episode, the authorities are advising people to limit their physical activity, particularly outdoors. Regular athletes, especially joggers, are advised to postpone their workouts. To get around, citizens are encouraged to use public transport or reduce the use of their private vehicles.
Wood heating, which is often singled out for criticism, should be avoided wherever possible, as should fuels that emit high levels of fine particles. In the Île-de-France region, where concentrations are particularly high, additional measures may be adopted in the coming days.
According to Prév'air, the national air quality platform, this pollution is set to persist and could extend as far as Auvergne and Champagne-Ardenne this Wednesday. Forecasts indicate that concentrations will remain high until at least the end of the week.
In all cases
In the event of a pollution episode involving the following pollutants : PM10, NO2, SO2
In all cases :
In the event of pollution episodes involving PM10, NO2, SO2 :