Particulate pollution levels have been reported to have significantly increased in various French regions.

The prefects of many French departments have chosen to restrict traffic to the least polluting vehicles and the top permitted speed has also been reduced by 20 km/h on numerous traffic routes.

“Inefficient wood heating (open fireplace and old wood pile) and human activities (road traffic, agricultural activities) are the main sources,” said Atmo Rhone Alpes, organization responsible for the quality of the air in Lyon.