The benefits resulting from the decreases in ambient air pollution observed during the first lockdown in France in Spring 2020 can be estimated at around 2,300 postponed deaths associated with a decrease in the population's exposure to particulate matter,and around 1,200 postponed deaths associated with a decrease in exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2); These results, occurring in an unprecedented context certainly not desirable for improving air quality in the long term, once again confirm that public interventions appear to have a significant impact on health through reductions in air-pollution levels. Some learnings can already be leveraged in terms of public action and behavioural changes (teleworking, travel modes, etc.) that will likely be lasting in French society.; In a broader, long-term perspective, each year nearly 40,000 deaths could be attributed to population exposure to fine particles (PM2.5), and 7,000 deaths to population exposure to NO2, representing respectively 7% and 1% of total annual mortality.; This study serves as a reminder that the total burden of air pollution on health remains a relevant risk factor in France. And that efforts to reduce ambient air pollution must be pursued lastingly for all sources of air pollution with suitably adapted but ambitious policies.
Auteur : Medina Sylvia, Adélaïde Lucie, Wagner Vérène, de Crouy Chanel Perrine, Real Elsa, Colette Augustin, Couvidat Florian, Bessagnet Bertrand, Durou Amélie, Host Sabine, Hulin Marion, Corso Magali, Pascal Mathilde
Année de publication
: 2021
Pages : 12 p.
Collection : Études et enquêtes
