20 degrees Celsius in London, 19 degrees Celsius in Paris... Western Europe is basking in the sun as the continent enjoys record-high temperature this winter. But there is a major downside to this -- air pollution.
ADVERTISEMENT20 degrees Celsius in London, 19 degrees Celcius in Paris -- Western Europe is basking in the sun as the continent enjoys record-high temperature this winter.
But the major downside to this?
Air pollution.
This week, a number of cities across Europe, including Paris, London and Madrid, have issued air pollution warnings. Northern Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands are also affected by fine particles and poor air quality.
Forecasters predicted exceptionally high levels of nitrogen dioxide concentration, aggravated by the presence of Saharan dust particles.
"Winter pollution is not exceptional and winter pollution episodes even tend to be stronger, " Vincent-Henri Peuch, the head of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, told Euronews, noting a greater tendency to accumulate nitrogen dioxide and fine particles during the winter months.
"What is less common is that such a strong episode occurs in so many countries at once," Peuch said.
Nitrogen dioxide has a short life span of about 24 hours so it usually remains close to its source (traffic, heating, industry), he explained.
The current pollution episode poses health risks, according to Alberto González Ortiz, an air quality expert at the European Environment Agency.
"Long periods of high pressure in winter months can trap cool air and pollutants close to the ground, leading to poor air quality. These pollution events can cause negative health effects, especially among vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions," Ortiz warned.
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