OIOIOHJKGYUYUYUYUYUYUYUYUYUYUFD6R6HHHB HDHDFFDFF44566

In 2023, by contrast, monthly levels of large particulates (PM10) in the city averaged 19 micrograms per cubic metre of air – a five-fold reduction compared with 1924.

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 don't think pollution will be a problem unless we have high temperatures. Heatwaves are often associated with pollution events."