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Air quality in Paris
SurveillanceSince 1954, the air in Paris is being constantly monitored, a job entrusted since 1979 to the [AIRPARIF] organization, under the authorization of the Department for the Environment. The quality of the air is displayed on a daily basis on electronic boards throughout the city, on a scale from 1 (very good) to 10 (very poor) corresponding to international standards set down by the OMS and the European Commission. When levels of pollution are high, the population is alerted by the media. These warnings concern in particular anyone with existing conditions, children, older people, or pregnant women. At the same time we are advised against outdoor sporting activities. Despite these occasional warnings, consultation of yearly statistics indicates an air quality that is generally good. If you would like to know more about the air quality control in the Ile-de-France region, visit the web site of AIRPARIF:
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Paris is not considered to be an unbreathable capital, as you might describe Athens, Mexico, or even London, once known as the “Big Smoke”. The quality of the air is something that cannot be ignored: as it may cause irritation of our airways or breathing difficulties and also contributes to the erosion of monuments. For these reasons Paris City Council makes every effort to bring a breath of fresh air to a city that still suffers from a surplus of traffic.