Pollution masks for metro drivers

PARIS metro drivers are being handed air pollution masks today by a trade union worried about the health risks of particles underground.

The CFDT union is organising the handout at several busy metro interchanges in the capital - but Paris public transport operator RATP says the risk to passengers is low.

A fortnight ago, air pollution levels in Châtelet as measured by the RATP were above the safe limit all day, and three times over the limit in rush hours.

The union wants the definition of safe limit to be changed. It is currently set at 500 microgrammes per cubic metre - 100 times higher than what is considered the safe level above ground.

The RATP points to a 2007 report suggesting there is no major risk. The CFDT says drivers are exposed all day to fine particles, which are at their most prevalent during renovation works and when a train brakes.