High pollutant levels
currently experienced in parts of France,
Belgium and Germany are leading some areas
to take urgent action to lower air pollution
– for example, public transport is free
in Paris over the weekend as an incentive
for people to avoid car use.
Current concentrations
of particulate matter (PM10) are unusually
high across a wide region of Western Europe.
Since Wednesday almost three quarters of
France has experienced PM10 concentrations
above the limit of 50 micrograms per cubic
meter (daily mean), with some areas recording
more than double that level. Check the EEA’s
near-real time air pollution map.
The main factor behind
the current air pollution episode has been
the stable and calm weather over the past
days, which prevents certain types of air
pollution from dispersing. The pollutants
are emitted by a variety of sources, including
road traffic, wood-burning stoves, and at
this time of year the application of agricultural
fertilisers. The current episode is particularly
high, however – in France, the last major
pollution episode of this kind was in spring
2007.
Urgent action
Yesterday evening the
French Ministry of Ecology announced a series
of actions to reduce short-term pollution
levels including free public transport in
the Paris area until Sunday in order to
limit traffic emissions. The Ministry has
also reduced traffic speed limits in certain
areas, introduced controls on fertiliser
spreading and advised against use of wood-burning
fireplaces (except for main heating) and
burning of green waste.
Others including the
Belgian authorities are also promoting similar
measures – for example reducing the speed
limit in the most affected areas. Belgium
and France have some of the highest ownership
rates of diesel cars in Europe, and diesel
vehicles emit higher quantities of PM10
than their petrol equivalents.
Health impacts of PM10
air pollution
Particulate matter pollution
can cause or aggravate existing cardiovascular
and respiratory diseases, and long-term
exposure can contribute to heart attacks
and arrhythmias, nerve problems and premature
death in some cases. During the current
episode vulnerable people living in affected
areas are recommended to avoid strenuous
physical activity.
How does it compare
to the rest of the world?
While the current levels
in Europe pose a significant risk to health,
peak levels can be up to 4-5 times higher
in Asian cities like Beijing.
