Ségolène Royal launches the first Air Quality Day on September 25

This year, the month of September is under the sign of ecology. A few months before the major climate conference to be held in Paris, the Ministry of Ecology is organizing the first National Air Quality Day. A first edition which will take place two days before the car-free day in Paris.

“Breathe better: that’s the idea! Is the slogan of this national day of september 25. For the ministry, this is an opportunity to educate the French on the various pollutants, their impact on health but also on the actions to be adopted to improve air quality.

42,000 premature deaths

For this first edition, the organizers have decided to emphasize the importance of quality air both outside and inside buildings. An important health issue since atmospheric pollution is responsible for around 42,000 premature deaths in France. By penetrating deep into the lungs, air pollution worsens respiratory allergies or asthma attacks. Nestled in the bronchial mucous membranes, the fine particles increase the risk of developing cancer.

Actions throughout France

From September 21 to 26, many activities will be set up all over France. In Grenoble, for example, a participatory and collaborative game “Two steps for tomorrow” will be organized on Saturday September 26th. Departing from the Grenoble city garden, participants will set off to complete the 6 quests on foot, by bike or any other non-polluting means of transport. This treasure hunt will be “the opportunity to discover the systems implemented by Grenoble-Alpes Métropole for many years, as well as the possible alternatives to fight against climate change and build a better tomorrow”, we can read on the website.

In addition to these activities, around fifteen educational films were produced to explain the link between pollution peaks and weather or to present buildings designed to respect indoor air quality such as the Confetti crèche in Saint-Herblain in Loire-Atlantique. .