What recommendations to follow in the face of the suspended particle pollution alert in Gard and Hérault ?

Le Gard et l'Hérault sont concernés par cet épisode de pollution. Midi Libre

Le passage d’une masse d’air chargée en particules désertiques est observé depuis vendredi 29 mars et se poursuit aujourd’hui samedi 30 mars. Une procédure d’alerte pollution a été déclenchée.

Atmo Occitanie predicts, in the departments of Gard and Hérault, an episode of PM10 suspended particle pollution this Saturday March 30.

Particles, sea spray and wind

In question, the passage of a "air mass loaded with desert particles" which has been observed since Friday March 29 and continues today, Saturday March 30, on the Mediterranean coast. "These particles are added to the sea spray, formed by very windy weather conditions on the coast. These natural phenomena lead to a significant increase in PM10 concentrations, particularly in the departments of Gard and Hérault, specifies Atmo Occitanie. The alert for exceeding the alert threshold was thus triggered this Saturday in the two departments.

Also according to Atmo Occitanie, this Sunday March 31, the "displacement of the air mass loaded with desert particles and the’ The arrival of a rainy disturbance should allow the situation to improve. Thus, the concentrations of PM10 in the ambient air in the departments of Gard and Hérault should drop significantly. And therefore lead to the end of the d’ rsquo;alert.

Vulnerable people and sensitive people: what to do?

It is therefore recommended for vulnerable people and sensitive people (pregnant women, infants and young children, people over 65, people suffering from cardiovascular pathologies, people with heart or respiratory failure, people with asthma) or even those with asthma. people recognizing themselves as sensitive – diabetics, immunocompromised, suffering from cardiac or respiratory conditions, etc. – during peaks of pollution during peaks, avoid travel on major roads and their surroundings, during peak periods.

Also avoid intense physical and sporting activities (including competitions), both outdoors and indoors. "Postpone the activities that require the most effort", recommends Atmo Occitanie, which, just like the ARS insists on the necessity, in the event of& nbsp;respiratory or cardiac discomfort (shortness of breath, wheezing, palpitations), seek advice from a pharmacist, consult a doctor or consult the Air Santé hotline (05 61  nbsp;77 94 44). "Prefer shorter outings and those that require the least effort. Take advice from your doctor to find out if your medical treatment should be adapted if necessary", continues Atmo.

Limit sport, travel and work

The rest of the population is also encouraged to reduce intense physical and sporting activities. "At home or at work: postpone the maintenance or cleaning work requiring the use of solvents, paints, varnishes. Respect the ban on burning in the open air and the framework for exemptions. Stop using non-efficient biomass combustion devices during heating periods; control the temperature in buildings", finally details Atmo Occitanie. Here again, travel should be limited.