In Paris, the average annual fine particle pollution is three times higher than the threshold set by the WHO. There are also strong disparities within the capital. A phenomenon amplified by “canyon streets”, narrow streets bordered by tall buildings which will retain pollution more easily.
What we know less about the capital of love is that the air there is very polluted. “In Paris, it is better to live on major roads, with the exception of the Boulevards des Maréchaux and the proximity of the ring road, than in small streets, certainly picturesque but very poorly ventilated,” estimates Jean-Baptiste Renard, research director. LPC2E laboratory at the CNRS, which presents an unprecedented analysis of measurements of the rate of fine particles in Paris and its immediate suburbs.
Consultable on the Pollutrack website, the pollution map in Paris reveals that the annual average of PM2.5 in the capital is around 15μg/m3, three times higher than what the WHO recommends ( 5μg/m3 or less).
Narrow streets “trap” fine particles
For the authors of the work, the phenomenon is mainly explained by the significant presence of what are called “canyon streets”. This term refers to areas where buildings are twice as high as the width of the streets.
Full Article (Fr) : RTBF BE actus