Between November 25 and December 25, 2016, mainland France experienced a major episode of air pollution linked to specific weather conditions. In accordance with its mandate, Santé publique France assessed the health impacts of this episode using various methods. First, this report presents the principles, results, and limitations of real-time monitoring of the health impact of the pollution episode. Next, it presents the expected health impact on mortality and morbidity during the episode in the 18 metropolitan areas covered by the Air and Health Monitoring Program (PSAS), as well as on mortality in mainland France. Finally, it places the health impact of pollution episodes within the broader context of the health effects of air pollution at the national and regional levels. Real-time health impact monitoring showed no notable changes in indicators of emergency care utilization during the episode. The expected short-term health impact of this episode was estimated to be low in the 18 metropolitan study areas and across mainland France as a whole. While indicators of emergency care use have their place in the PSA monitoring system, just like mortality and hospitalization indicators, their real-time monitoring does not appear appropriate for assessing the health impact of pollution episodes. Such monitoring may even be misleadingly reassuring, since health effects are often undetectable or uninterpretable. The contribution of pollution episodes to the overall health impacts of pollution varies by city and year. It can account for up to 20% of the total short-term health impact of pollution in certain cities, but it remains well below the effect of long-term exposure. Despite their relatively small contribution to the overall health impacts, air pollution episodes constitute a public health issue in specific geographic areas. They therefore represent an opportunity to raise awareness among stakeholders and the general public about the harmful effects of air pollution on health.