- Despite the confinement, air pollution episodes persist.
- Environmentalists (EELV) asked the regional prefect to take "exceptional spreading restriction measures" among farmers.
- Agricultural activities do contribute to air pollution, but it is difficult to know to what extent.
Despite the confinement, air pollution episodes persist. So much so that in Lille, the ecologists (EELV) asked the regional prefect to take "exceptional measures to restrict spreading" among farmers whom they make partly responsible for the current poor quality of the air. What is it really like?
Significant pollution?
Since the start of the coronavirus health crisis, the Hauts-de-France - which had been spared until this year - have experienced 8 days of pollution. If we compare to the first four months of 2019, it's four times less (31 days). On the other hand, pollution follows the same rhythm as in 2018 (9 days).
"Traditionally, the months of March and April are conducive to atmospheric pollution," explains Atmo, an association responsible for monitoring air quality. Spring weather conditions are often favorable for different combinations of secondary particles from multiple sources. "
The ammonium nitrate in issue
"Apart from road traffic, which has dropped, all other sources of polluting emissions are generally maintained," said EELV in its press release. The analysis of the composition of the particles highlights the contribution of biomass, that is to say heating with wood and the burning of green waste, which is however prohibited *, but especially that of ammonium nitrates, whose origin is the spreading of slurry or chemical nitrogen fertilizers for soil fertilization. "
Ammonium nitrates are one of the secondary particles highlighted during recent pollution episodes, "but it is impossible to know to what extent they contribute to poor air quality," says Atmo. In fact, scientists need more information to be able to model the impact of agriculture. "In particular, data on spreading would be necessary to be able to calculate evolution hypotheses," notes Atmo.
Improved air quality?
A request concerning the spreading restrictions during the confinement period had been filed with the Council of State in early April by the environmental protection association Respire. The legal authority had rejected the request, considering that the law already provided for this measure in the event of an episode of pollution.
However, the judge noted that, “unlike 2019, no exceedance of the pollution alert threshold was observed between March 15 and April 14, a period marked by a sharp reduction in pollution from industrial activity and transport ”. In Hauts-de-France, the presence of nitrogen dioxide (linked to transport and heating) in the air was reduced by 23% compared to last year.
"Agriculture and the car are not the only causes of particulate matter pollution from several sources," notes Atmo. However, containment avoided stronger and longer pollution episodes. "
* The practice of open burning of green waste is punishable by a fine of up to 450 euros.
Lille
Why, despite confinement, air pollution persists in Hauts-de-France
Planet
Does containment have a beneficial effect on the air we breathe?
- Lille
- Agriculture
- Confinement
- Coronavirus
- Air pollution