This Monday, January 13, 2025, the five Normandy departments are affected by a vast peak in air pollution. The cause is high levels of fine particles detected in the air. The prefectures of Seine-Maritime, Eure and Calvados called, in a press release, for caution.
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The measurements carried out by the ATMO (approved association for monitoring air quality in Normandy) revealed, this Monday, a significant level of air pollution, and in particular a high concentration of suspended particles (PM10) in the atmosphere, fine particles likely to cause damage to health.
This episode of pollution is attributable to the combination of weather conditions favorable to the accumulation of pollutants in the atmosphere with a concentration of fine particles.
Prefecture of Seine-Maritimeon January 13, 2025, in a press release
The state of the air in Normandy, Monday January 13. In red: “bad” quality.
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© ATMO Normandie
The fine particles measured by ATMO are less than 10 µm and can therefore penetrate deeper into the body. Causing cardiovascular symptoms or respiratory tract irritation. Their stagnation in the same area can be explained by a particularly light wind.
The five Normandy departments are affected. An information-recommendation procedure has been launched in Seine-Maritime, Eure and Calvados. In Rouen, Réseau Astuce announced free public transport all day on Tuesday January 14.
The prefectures have reminded some essential precautionary measures. It is necessary to maintain ventilation in your home and “not to aggravate the effects of this pollution by exposing yourself to additional irritating factors: tobacco smoke, use of solvents indoors, wood heating, exposure to pollen in season, etc.“.
If the current episode does not justify any confinement, it is nevertheless recommended to limit outings and intense physical activities outdoors, to avoid the use of inefficient heating devices (in particular open fireplaces and old stoves and inserts) or generators, unless absolutely necessary, and to reduce travel by car.
In addition, sensitive or vulnerable people (pregnant women, infants and young children, people over 65, asthmatics, etc.), must avoid areas with heavy road traffic, particularly during rush hours, and are invited to consult a healthcare professional in case of respiratory difficulty.
