There we were last weekend, rejoicing in the glorious, windless, clement weather when instead we should have been deeply concerned.  Why?  Because that glorious weather is poisoning us.  According to Airparif, the pollution watchdog organization here, a third of the country is on maximum pollution alert caused by, among other factors, unseasonably warm weather. The average temperature this week is 19°C (66°F).  On March 12, 2013 the temperature in Paris was -1°C.

A lack of wind, cold nights and warm days have increased dangerously small particles from traffic, factories and heating systems in the region around Paris, northern and eastern France, Brittany, the Loire and Burgundy.  Airparif takes readings of air quality from a hot-air balloon that rises 300 metres above each city.

In an extraordinary public health emergency measure, all public transportation in Paris and its surrounding suburbs will be free for 3 days – starting tomorrow morning (Friday March 14th) to Sunday night.  Velib’ rental bikes and electric rent-a-car Autolib’ will also be free. Parking tickets will not be issued over the weekend and free residential car parking will be enforced. All this to encourage Parisians to leave their cars at home over a 3-day period and walk, cycle or take public transport instead.Health authorities have issued warnings for small children, seniors, asthmatics and people with other respiratory illnesses to remain indoors. Intense sporting activities are also discouraged.  The dangerous levels of fine particles and nitrogen dioxide also cause eye irritations. On Monday, I had to go to an ophthalmologist to get a prescription for an eye wash for my burning, itching eyes.

I was curious to know how Paris air pollution compared to other cities.  Here are some statistics (not very recent, I’m afraid) based on annual mean PM10 (particulate matter with diameter of 10 micrometers or less) –

Paris	38	2008
London	29	2008
Glasgow	24	2008
Berlin	26	2008
Athens	41	2008
Rome	35	2008
Milan	44	2008
Naples	44	2008
Tel Aviv	60	2009
Tokyo	23	2009
Amsterdam	24	2008
Madrid	26	2008
Stockholm	28	2008
Geneva	22	2008
Chicago	22	2009
Los Angeles	25	2009
New York City	21	2009
Santa Fe	6	2009
Seattle	16	2009
Montréal	34	2008
Toronto	21	2008
Vancouver	12	2008
Calgary	26	2008
Istanbul	59	2008
Beijing	121	2009
Cairo	138	2008
Delhi	198	2008
Tehran	96	2009
Ahwaz (Iran)	372	2009