Much of this improvement has occurred relatively recently. In 2003, monthly PM10 levels still averaged 67 micrograms per cubic metre, but air quality improved in the decades since as the city has prioritised cyclists and pedestrians over cars. Levels of the smallest, most dangerous particles, measuring less than 2.5 microns across (known as PM2.5), have fallen by similar proportions since 2003.
"Cars will be very restricted in the centre of Paris during the Olympics," says Safieddine. "I… Continue