Air quality surveillance: the French instrument

Episodes of severe air quality deterioration in the first half of the 20th century, in particular the London air pollution outbreak in 1952, which caused the deaths of several thousand people, led to a growing awareness of the harmful effects of air pollution on health [1] . Over the last 30 years, numerous epidemiological studies carried out in various highly urbanized parts of the world have also demonstrated the existence of links between the usual levels of undesirable compounds in urban air and the health of populations in terms of mortality, hospitalization, use of emergency services and medical consultations, among others. These studies reveal links between ambient levels of gaseous and particulate pollutants and mortality, even at levels below current regulatory thresholds.

Outdoor ambient air quality monitoring began in the early 1960s with particle deposition, then expanded in the early 1970s to include the monitoring of gaseous and particulate pollutants in ambient air, using manual methods based essentially on delayed chemical analysis in the laboratory (especially strong acidity and black smoke). These services have been developed and implemented in the field by existing regional laboratories.

It wasn't until the late 1970s that automatic techniques began to replace the initial methods, within these same laboratories, and in the regional associations that were gradually created within a concerted national framework that was subsequently refined over the years and with new knowledge.

Community influence began in 1979 with the first European "SO ₂ and dust" directive (Directive 80/779/EC), and it wasn't until 1996 that the European Union defined the framework for assessing and managing air quality in the European Community through Directive no. 96/62/EC of September 27, 1996.

This article describes the technical and organizational aspects of the national air quality monitoring system implemented to meet European regulatory requirements. Possible future developments are also suggested.