In France, like many developed countries, air pollution has nowadays become a real problem for the environment and especially for human health. However, a recent study on street pedestrianization produced satisfactory results. Indeed, a notable improvement in air quality has been observed in areas where pedestrianization of streets has replaced motorized traffic.
For several years, the Respire association, dedicated to raising awareness of air quality and the implementation of solutions for healthier environments, has been carrying out support and awareness work for parents of students and elected officials in Paris and Île-de-France. Work aimed at obtaining “peaceful” school streets. Streets where the flow and speed of motorized traffic have been reduced, or even eliminated in the case of pedestrianization.
To this end, the Respire and Airgones associations published on Sunday May 23 the results of a evaluation study of street developments in schools and their impact on air quality. The measurement campaign carried out in real time with companies specializing in environmental measurement, notably Rincent Air and Pollutrack, showed an improvement in the air quality around the schools concerned.
The Respire and Airgones associations measured pollution in real time around ten schools (nine schools in Paris and one in Bagnolet) in order to observe the effect of street development at schools (pedestrianization around school which may be accompanied by a partial or total stoppage of road traffic). Levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particles (PM2.5) were measured before and after the transformation of the streets into pedestrian zones.
“Streets for schools, it works to reduce pollution”
The results show that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations drop by up to 30% around pedestrianized schools. On the other hand, on fine PM2.5 particles, the effect is negligible due to weather conditions leading to low levels of pollution. “Streets and schools work to reduce pollution!” This is the first real-time evaluation study carried out in France which demonstrates this! » rejoices Tony Renucci, director of the Respire association.
The transformation of streets into pedestrian zones has a positive impact on public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children. Nitrogen dioxide is an irritating gas to the respiratory tract, which can lead to airway inflammation, coughing, wheezing, reduced lung function and increased asthma attacks, especially in younger people. . This gas which escapes from vehicle engines causes 2,575 deaths per year in Paris, according to a study in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health released in 2021.
The study recommends continuing to measure pollution around schools, particularly in winter when pollution levels are higher, in order to increase the number of measurements and draw even more precise conclusions. To this end, the Respire association recommends:
- the generalization of street improvements to permanent schools, particularly in the most polluted areas;
- the densification of networks of pollution sensors and micro-sensors around schools, in order to evaluate the developments;
- government support for the development of streets for schools: legal definition in the local authorities code, call for projects to finance developments in the territories, etc.
Full Article (Fr) : MinuteNews