Saharan fine particle pollution alert in Corsica and the Alps (Illustration) -
AFP
A fine particle air pollution alert from the Sahara desert was issued on Wednesday across Corsica and the Alps, where restrictions have been put in place.
Corsica is once again affected "by a southerly flow from the Sahara leading to an increase in concentrations of fine particles (PM10)", indicates the Qualitair Corse association, responsible for monitoring air quality, which specifies that fine particulate matter levels are expected to remain high for the next few days.
"The threshold for information and recommendation of the public was exceeded Monday and Tuesday in Corse-du-Sud and Tuesday in Haute-Corse", notes the organization.
"Stagnation of fine particle concentrations" expected in Corsica
This first threshold has already been exceeded in the Hautes-Alpes, where the prefecture calls for "vigilance", the last step before the restrictions put in place in Savoie, Haute-Savoie and Isère.
These prefectures announced Wednesday the lowering of speed limits on the roads from Thursday morning, the prohibition of heating with wood "pleasure" and other measures to limit the emission of fine particles.
In Corsica, forecasts for Wednesday and Thursday show a "stagnation of concentrations of fine particles in the territory which could again lead to exceeding the first threshold".
During this type of phenomenon, in particular in the event of respiratory or cardiac discomfort, it is recommended to limit the emissions of automobile, industrial, artisanal and domestic origin, to privilege the brief exits, to reduce the intense physical and sporting activities.
Qualitair Corse recommends that the public seek advice from their doctor to find out whether medical treatment should be adapted if necessary.
At the beginning of February, a similar phenomenon had already colored the atmosphere of much of southern and eastern France with yellow, causing a spike in air pollution.
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