An episode of fine particle pollution hits France this Monday: which departments are affected and what to expect ?

Deux départements français sont touchés par un épisode de pollution aux particules fines ce 13 janvier 2025 (photo d'illustration). MAXPPP – Bruno Levesque

Deux départements français sont touchés par un épisode de pollution aux particules fines, ce lundi 13 janvier 2025.

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Saturday was already marked by pollution of the same order in the North. This Monday, January 13, 2025, two French departments, Nord and Pas-de-Calais, will face an episode of fine particle pollution, at alert level 1 out of the three existing ones, according to Atmo Hauts-de-France, the air quality observatory in the region.

The two departments are placed on yellow alert for the day.

Pics of pollution

A pollution peak is expected between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. around Lille, Arras and Dunkirk. A smaller peak should then occur between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. between Lens and Douai, BFM points out in particular.

Why ?

In a press release, Atmo Hauts-de-France specifies that this episode “is explained by the expected local emission of particles linked to heating and traffic as well as by weather conditions favorable to the accumulation of pollutants (low winds, very low boundary layer heights) for Monday”, reprise Here.

What advice ?

Atmo Hauts-de-France recommends using the least polluting means of transport (bicycle, public transport, carpooling), reducing your driving speed, reducing pollutant emissions from economic players, and controlling energy consumption related to heating (particularly wood, which emits atmospheric pollutants).

The air quality observatory also recommends shortening outings and reducing intense physical activities. For people at risk (infants, pregnant women, people over 65), Atmo Hauts-de-France recommends avoiding high traffic areas during peak periods this Monday and opting for moderate activities.