Which Paris Metro stations have the most polluted air?

Ile-de-France Mobilités has released the first map of air quality on the subway and RER networks

Île-de-France Mobilités, the transport authority of the region including Paris and its surroundings, has released a map showing the air quality at 44 Metro and RER stations in the city. The map is the first of its kind and has two objectives: to transparently inform the public about the pollution situation in the public transit system of the French capital and to also help officials optimize their plan to implement a plan for the improvement of air quality in the most affected spots.

According to the map, the northeast section of the Paris Metro has the worst indicators when it comes to pollution with fine particle matter (FPM). At three of the stations there - Belleville, Jaurès and Oberkampf – the concentration of PM10 particles exceeded 480µg/m3, which is the maximum threshold recommended by the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) from one hour of exposure.

What’s the source of air pollution in the metro?

In case you’re wondering what generates the FPM pollution in the subway stations where trains run on electricity, the answer lies in the braking systems. Each braking session generates fine particles. Normally, these are supposed to be taken care of by an efficient fan system, however, the finding indicates that the fans at these stations need to be changed.

Better yet, however, the issue needs to be attacked at the source and in fact this is already being done thanks to the automatization of Paris Metro lines with new trains. In addition, by the end of 2034, Île-de-France Mobilités has asked the two operators (the Metro and RER) to experiment and develop new materials for braking systems to reduce carbon emissions. particles and which could be quickly deployed, in particular, new brake shoes and linings with lower particle emissions.

Among the other Paris subway stations studied, 31 display a “medium level” of concentration of fine PM10 particles, that is to say between 140 and 480µg/m3. The other ten - a “low level”, meaning less than 140 µg/m3.

You can consult the map here (in French).