French know-how in the field of air pollution prevention

Breathing is a vital function for humans. On average, an adult inhales around 15 m3 of air per day. Air pollution represents a major risk to health. Worldwide, it is responsible for around 2 million premature deaths every year. Air pollution can affect the respiratory system and cause symptoms such as breathing difficulties, coughing, sore throats, headaches and eye irritation. It reduces respiratory capacity and can damage the cardiovascular system. Industrial activity and household fireplaces used to be the principal source of atmospheric pollution in industrialised countries. This situation has changed drastically, and it is now emissions caused by the rapidly growing transport sector which are the major contributors, especially in urban areas. The subject of air quality inside buildings is now also considered to be a matter of major concern to public health. French people spend on average 80% of their time in enclosed spaces (housing, offices, schools etc). This situation encourages symptoms (allergies and irritations of the airways etc) in many people who have suffered long-term exposure, despite the fact that the concentration of pollutants is sometimes low. Cutting-edge French expertise for over 30 years, several regulatory, financial and technical tools have been developed by France, the European Union or through international conventions in order to improve the outdoor air quality. There are currently more than 800 stations for measuring outdoor air quality across France. In 140 French towns, quality indices for 4 pollutants are calculated every day. Almost 500,000 industrial and agricultural plants which are liable to cause pollution are also closely monitored under the ICPE regulations (Classified Installation for the Protection of the Environment). Applying these regulations to industry since the 1970's has since led to a major reduction in a large number of atmospheric pollutants in particular: - an 85% reduction in total emissions of SO₂, - a 39% reduction in total emissions of NOX, - a 40% reduction in VOCs. Despite this progress, several pollutants still cause concern, in particular NO₂, particulate matter and ozone. Improving the knowledge and technologies to cut these emissions is still necessary. As regards indoor air quality, several initiatives have recently been put in place in France, as a result of the Grenelle Environment Round Table, a public process which aims to prepare long-term decisions in a participatory fashion. In particular, the Grenelle Environment Round Table aims to implement, from 2011 onwards, compulsory labelling as regards emissions from construction and decoration products. Monitoring the quality of indoor air in certain buildings open to the public is also planned. The French air quality market is estimated at more than 4.4 billion euros (2007) with a strong potential for growth. The number of jobs directly linked to air quality is estimated to reach 15,000 by 2020. In developing or emerging countries, there are considerable needs in terms of air quality. In several towns, concentrations of air pollutants greatly exceed the limits recommended by WHO. Skills and know-how shown by French experts in the field of air quality, as well as excellent experience gained internationally, have meant these needs can be met. This brochure presents the public and private expertise in the field of air quality. (author)