Ozone Pollution: Public Information Procedure

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According to air quality data measured by the Department of the Environment, the information threshold for ozone pollution, 180 µg/m3, is likely to be reached today, Monday, 21 August 2023.

Ozone pollution arises from the effects of sunlight on certain automotive and industrial pollutants. It increases with the intensity of the sun and when winds are light.

In light of the persistent hot weather and calm wind, which are not conducive to the dissipation of emitted pollutants, and to reduce the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere, the Government is issuing the following recommendations:

Health recommendations : 

For vulnerable people (pregnant women, infants and young children, people over 65, people suffering from cardiovascular disease, heart or respiratory failure, asthmatics) or vulnerable groups (people who consider themselves vulnerable during pollution spikes and/or whose symptoms appear or are aggravated during pollution spikes):
• Limit strenuous physical activity and outdoor sports; indoor activities can be continued
• Limit your time outdoors during the hottest hours of the day
• Stick to shorter outings and those that require the minimum effort
• In the event of respiratory or cardiac discomfort (e.g. shortness of breath, wheezing, palpitations), ask your pharmacist for advice or consult your doctor.

Recommendations for road users:
• Opt for low-emission forms of transport for short journeys
• Limit the use of cars for private and business travel by using public transport and car sharing
• Avoid travel on and around major roads during rush hours

Other recommendations:
• Postpone any maintenance or cleaning work involving the use of solvents, paints, varnishes, etc.

Further information :
Air quality in the Principality is monitored by an automated network of five measuring stations: Rue Grimaldi, Boulevard Charles III, Place des Moulins, Fontvieille and Quai Antoine 1er. The recorded data is processed daily by the Department of the Environment.
Air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, dust and ozone (O3) are continuously measured.