News as of December 29, 2011

The alert threshold for fine particulate matter was exceeded in the Bordeaux and Agen metropolitan areas between December 26 and 29, due to weather conditions that contributed to increased concentrations of particulate matter in the air. Particulate matter is a relatively complex pollutant due to its particle size (the smaller the diameter, the deeper it penetrates the respiratory system) and its chemical composition (it may contain toxic or even carcinogenic substances). [...]