Air et Santé's air quality index is based on data provided by more than 300 measurement stations located in France of the EEA network
(European Environment Agency, an agency of the European Union)
These stations measure in the ambient air the presence of several pollutants whose impact on health is proven.
The presence of these pollutants is very strongly influenced by the geographical situation (urban areas, road networks, industrial areas, agricultural areas, etc.) and topography.
The pollutants mainly measured are fine particles, sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and carbon, benzene, arsenic ...
In developing its index, Air et Santé made the choice to restrict the analysis on the 3 main pollutants monitored
by the AASQA network (Authorized Associations Air Quality Monitoring):
- PM 10
- Ozone
- Nitrogen dioxide
For each city, the AIR ET SANTÉ index is drawn up from the values of the average annual concentrations of these pollutants (expressed in microg / m3)
noticed in the stations, then weighted to take into account the proximity of these stations with the town.
SNB: Evaluated from annual averages, the Air and Health index should not be considered as an instantaneous index of air quality
and is not intended to emit an alert, especially during peaks of pollution. In case of episodes of heavy pollution, the value of the index, smoothed over the year, takes this into account.