New fine particle pollution alert in Bouches-du-Rhône and Var

"With winter, the use of domestic heating is on the rise, and since the beginning of the week, the anticyclonic weather conditions have favored the accumulation of fine particles", explained the Var prefecture in a press release.

The Bouches-du-Rhône and the Var, placed on Thursday in the information-recommendation procedure - i.e. vigilance for sensitive people -, will reach the level of alert level 1 on Friday - i.e. vigilance for the general public -. “The particle levels are increasing in the east of Bouches-du-Rhône and Toulon,” said the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture for its part.

The authorities advise avoiding intense physical or sporting activities (which require breathing through the mouth) and controlling heating in buildings.

They also call for favoring carpooling, public transport or non-polluting modes of travel.

For vulnerable or sensitive populations, they suggest favoring short outings requiring the least effort possible, preferably in the morning or evening and avoiding travel on major roads and their surroundings during peak periods, c i.e. between 07:00 and 10:00 and 16:00 and 19:00.