Red air pollution alerts raised in Brittany
Increasingly warm weather means air quality across the whole region will be ‘poor’ tomorrow (June 20)
The deteriorating air quality is due to a high concentration of ozone in the air, caused by fossil fuels and aggravated by high temperatures
Paolo Bona/Shutterstock
Air quality across Brittany has deteriorated as temperatures continue to rise this week, reports air-quality monitoring organisation Air Breizh.
Red alerts (which represent ‘poor’ quality of air) have been issued in Rennes, Saint-Brieuc, Vannes, Lorient, Merléac, Quimper and Brest, according to today’s daily air quality bulletin (June 19).
Saint-Malo is the only station where a ‘medium’ yellow rating has been maintained despite a red alert being predicted in yesterday’s forecast. Air Breizh does however anticipate a ‘poor’ red level by Friday (June 20).
The deteriorating air quality levels are not due to fine particles (a mixture of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets made up from different chemicals and found in the air) but to a high concentration of ozone (considered a pollutant at lower levels, caused by fossil fuels). Ozone is amplified by UV radiation and high temperatures (above 30° C).
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Air Breizh expects the highest ozone levels on Saturday afternoon, with a return to more normal levels from Sunday when temperatures should start to drop.
Advice for people in Brittany
The organisation advises people to ventilate and air their homes and workplaces as usual, however smoking tobacco, using solvents indoors, or lighting wood fires should be avoided to not worsen the effects of the pollution.
People are also encouraged to respect the following guidelines:
In the event of respiratory or cardiovascular discomfort, seek advice from a health professional.
Favour shorter outings and those requiring the least effort.
Avoid outings in the afternoon when sunshine is at its peak.
Reduce or even postpone intense physical and sporting activities, including competitions. Indoor activities can be maintained.
This advice is particularly important for vulnerable people, including pregnant women, young children, over 65s, those with asthma or other cardiovascular or respiratory problems.
Read also: Temporary driving restrictions imposed in parts of France due to air pollution
