Fire smoke from Canada seen over France: is it a health risk?
The misty veil has covered much of the country since the start of the month
Forest fires have been burning in Canada for several weeks (Manitoba pictured above), with smoky haze being seen over France as a result
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Smoke seen in French skies since the start of June is not toxic despite coming from Canadian forest fires, experts say.
The misty veil, which could be mistaken for early evening haze, has been blown across much of Western Europe, covering several of France’s regions including: Normandy, Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Canada has been affected by forest fires for several weeks. It is estimated that 2.8 million hectares of Canadian forests have already burned since the start of the year, with 220 fires still active in the country today (June 10).
Read also: Hot and dry then storms: French weather outlook June 9 to 13
Smoke from these fires contain fine particles and gases including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, meaning air quality in Canada is currently particularly poor.
A health risk in France?
The white mist seen in France is not dangerous as most of the toxic gases dissipate while crossing the Atlantic ocean. The smoke also tends to remain at high altitude (around 9,000m), therefore having no significant impact on surface air quality.
Early reports from today, however, indicate that smoke has been recorded at lower levels (around 3,000m) and as a result, air quality has deteriorated.
“We have been measuring a rise in levels of fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10 in Pays de la Loire since mid-day on Monday June 9, no doubt linked to the fires in Canada. Levels remain well below those triggering prefectoral procedures for pollution peaks,” said the association Air Pays de la Loire in a Facebook post shared today (June 10).
Read also: Why drivers should keep their Crit’Air stickers - even if low-emission zones end
Marion Guiter, a Research Engineer from the association told France3 that reduced air quality could also probably be impacted by the ozone pollutant (ozone is considered a pollutant at lower levels), which is amplified by UV radiation and high temperatures. She described the phenomenon as being “quite normal for this time of year.”
"What is burning right now in Canada may impact us in several days' time. So we are going to keep watching it. But there is nothing to worry about, at least for the moment," she added.
Hazy cloud replaced by Saharan sand?
The smoke can impact weather conditions in other ways. The cloudy haze takes on a reddish tinge when the sun sets and during the day blue skies can appear dull - this was the case over the northern third of the country yesterday.
It can also limit the amount of rainfall, as was seen in the Paris region at the weekend, where it rained much less than forecasted levels.
The smoky clouds are expected to be replaced by yellow-tinted skies from Wednesday (June 11), particularly in the south of the country, according to Météo du 13. This is due to dust being blown from the Sahara desert.
Saharan sand deposits are a natural phenomena in France – powerful winds can bring them above the Pyrénées or through the Mediterranean further north into Europe – although they have become more common in recent years.
Health warnings are not usually given alongside the natural deposits, however those who face respiratory issues, as well as elderly people and pregnant women, should avoid strenuous physical activity when outside during one of these occurrences.
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