Pollution by particles and gases
Measures to be activated
Control of public works
Reduction (or prohibition) and control of public works and municipal services that may generate dust.
Increased irrigation
Increased irrigation in streets, parks and non-asphalted squares.
(Owing to the drought, no type of water can be used to eliminate dust in the air, although in exceptional cases where this poses a health risk, special authorisation may be given, always using groundwater).
Advice in the case of a particle pollution episode
Use a bicycle
If you have no alternative but to use a private vehicle, share it or combine its use with public transport.
Choose public transport
Use public rather than private transport.
Share vehicles
Share vehicles
Control the temperature in buildings
Regulate the temperature in your house or workplace, avoiding excessive heat or cold.
Air your home
Air your home at times when there is less traffic on the streets.
Reduce intense physical activity
Reduce intense physical activity, especially outdoors. Avoid doing if you are part of the vulnerable population *
* Older people, people with heart or respiratory diseases, children and pregnant women.
How do we know it's happening?
In the case of a pollution episode with traffic restrictions (due to NO2) which involves increased public transport and restrictions on using the most polluting vehicles, the City Council will provide information through its municipal citizen information and advice channels by 3 pm on the same day that the Government of Catalonia declares the pollution episode, and the mobility measures will come into force the day after, from 7 am to 8 pm. Information messages will also be displayed in advance on variable information panels located within the city and on city access roads; vertical signage will be installed on the city's Ring Roads and in the surrounding area to inform drivers. The measures are maintained for complete days (from 7 am to 8 pm) until the Government of Catalonia issues its deactivation notice.
Barcelona City Council has activated the PM10 pollution-episode and NO2 pollution episode with traffic restriction phase of its Action Protocol for high levels of atmospheric pollution in Barcelona city, in accordance with the alert issued by the Government of Catalonia.