Mapping pollution in Paris metro reveals three stations in the red

Measurements taken on the platforms of three Paris metro stations have revealed a pollution threshold higher than the one recommended by the French National Health and Safety Agency, but without any proven danger, according to metro operator RATP.

Ile-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) and Airparif unveiled on Monday a map of air pollution in 44 Paris metro and RER stations.

Three of them show "high levels" of fine particle concentration.

Fine particles generated by train braking in particular are a regular cause for concern, and have led to a complaint against transport company RATP. 

In May 2023, measurements taken as part of a documentary carried out for the TV program "Vert de Rage" (Green with Rage) on France 5 revealed that Paris's metro system was suffering from excessive fine particle pollution, with levels that far exceed recommended standards.

• Parisian metro users exposed to excessive pollution, study warns

Belleville, Jaurès and Oberkampf

New measurements taken on the platforms at Belleville, Oberkampf and Jaurès stations, in eastern Paris, revealed a high concentration of fine particles PM10 after an exposure of more than one hour. 

The concentration was measured at 480 µg/m3, above the threshold recommended by the French National Health and Safety Agency (Anses).

'No proven danger'

However, "we cannot interpret these data in terms of danger", emphasised Sophie Mazoué, sustainable development manager for RATP. 

"The work communicated by Airparif and IDFM does not reflect the exposure of passengers or employees," she added, since none of them is required to spend an hour on a platform.

On the other platforms assessed by the study, 31 stations show an "average level" of fine particles PM10, i.e. between 140 and 480 µg/m3, and ten a "low level", i.e. below 140 µg/m3.

(with wires)