by Taylor Van Riper on Unsplash
The Directorate of the Environment has indicated that air quality data suggests a potential ozone pollution threshold of 180 µg/m3 may be breached today and possibly into Tuesday, July 11. Ozone pollution is a result of sunlight interacting with certain automobile and industrial pollutants. It tends to increase with stronger sunlight and in conditions of weak winds.
Given the ongoing high temperatures and light winds, which are not conducive to the dispersion of emitted pollutants, the government issues the following recommendations to minimize the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere:
Health Recommendations
For vulnerable (pregnant women, infants and young children, people over 65, individuals suffering from cardiovascular diseases, heart or respiratory insufficiency, asthmatics) or sensitive populations (people who identify as sensitive during pollution peaks and/or whose symptoms appear or are amplified during these peaks):
• Limit intense physical and sports activities outdoors, indoor activities can continue;
• Limit outings during the hottest hours;
• Favor shorter outings requiring less exertion;
• If experiencing respiratory or cardiac discomfort (for example: shortness of breath, wheezing, palpitations), seek advice from your pharmacist or consult your doctor.
Road User Recommendations:
• For short trips, prioritize non-polluting modes of transportation;
• For private and professional travel, limit the use of cars by resorting to public transport and carpooling;
• Avoid travel on major roadways and their surroundings during peak times;
Other Recommendations:
• Postpone maintenance or cleaning work that requires the use of solvents, paints, varnishes...
Additional Information
Air quality monitoring in the Principality is carried out by an automated network of five measurement stations located at Rue Grimaldi, Boulevard Charles III, Place des Moulins, Fontvieille, and Quai Antoine 1er. The data collected are processed daily by the Directorate of the Environment.
Air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, dust, and ozone (O3) are continuously measured.