Urban Planning, Ecological Transition, Urban Services and Housing

The Atmospheric Pollution Monitoring and Forecast Network (XVPCA) recorded in the Barcelona area on Monday, 8th of March, a level of suspended particles under 10 microns in size (PM10) which crossed the alert threshold and led to the activation of the pollution episode protocol.

Now that the level of pollutants in the air has dropped, Barcelona deactivated on Monday, 8th of March, a series of temporary measures provided for under the action protocol for high levels of atmospheric pollution for the duration of the episode. These measures are as follows:

• Watering parks and unpaved squares.
• Increased water of streets with ground water.
• Ban on use of air-sweepers for cleaning tasks and in green areas.
• Ban on dusty work activities.

What are PM10  and where do they come from?

Suspended particles under 10 microns in size are small solid or liquid particles that float in the air. Up to 40% of these particles are generated by vehicle engines, tyres and brakes. The rest comes from dust from public works and demolitions and possibly even Saharan dust clouds.