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Eiffel Tower cloaked in smog as pollution spikes

AFP
AFP - [email protected]
Eiffel Tower cloaked in smog as pollution spikes
The Eiffel tower through the smog. Photo: AFP

The Eiffel Tower disappeared behind a brown smog on Wednesday as Paris and much of northern France suffered a spike in pollution.

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It hasn't been a good day for tourists looking for an iconic photo from the world's most popular selfie spot
 
"The pollution levels are consistent. If we don't go over the alert level, we won't be far away," said Airparif, the body responsible for monitoring air quality in the greater Paris region.
   
In Paris, authorities measure the concentration of particulates with a diameter of less than 10 microns - so-called PM10 - in the air to determine pollution levels.
   
These particulates are created by vehicles, heating and heavy industry, and include the most dangerous particles that measure less than 2.5 microns in diameter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and the blood system and can cause cancer.
   
The safe limit for PM10 is set at 80 microgrammes per cubic metre (mcg/m3).
   
Since Wednesday morning, authorities have put in place certain emergency measures, such as limiting cars to 20 kilometres per hour on motorways in the Paris area.
   
Authorities have the power to put into place emergency measures such as allowing only one in two cars to enter the French capital and making public transport free.
   
This was last implemented on March 17th last year during a particularly bad spike in the pollution levels.
   
According to a 2011 World Health Organisation report, the planet's most polluted city was Ahvaz in Iran with an average of 372 mcg/m3.
   
Beijing had an average of 121 mcg/m3, while Paris was measured at 38 mcg/m3.

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