Air pollution warning balloons

Air pollution in Paris (France) also harms the health like other European cities. But in Paris, people do not have to wait intently for warnings from scientists but they just need to look at the sky.

At 150 meters high on Parc Andre Citroen is the Air de Paris balloon, a giant balloon that helps the French people know the purity of the air. The ball has a width of 22m and height of 32m, will turn green when the air is fresh, red when polluted and orange when the air is normal.

Air quality measurements are based on sensors measuring NO ₂ , O ₃ and other gases on balloons. This information is used to determine the level of pollution and alert people with breathing difficulties and driving outdoors.

When the ball is green it means fresh air, red is a heavily polluted air (Photo: CNN)

Initially, the ball was designed to attract tourists. But Aerophile has come up with the idea of ​​adding environmental indicators to this ball.

Matthieu Gobbi, general director of Aerophile, said: ' The bubble itself is a symbol of the atmosphere, a respect for nature. Air balloons do not have noise, do not use engines or have to burn any fuel completely thanks to natural energy. So it is perfectly reasonable to use the balloon to warn the environment . '

Karine Léger of Airparif, an agency in charge of air quality in the province of Ile de France, said every city in Europe is facing major challenges to meet air quality regulations. " In Paris, the level of air pollution measured is double that of the specified level and it is really a big challenge ," Léger said.

The ball will turn green when the air is fresh, red when contaminated and orange when the air is normal.

Air pollution in the city can reduce the life of Parisians by up to nine months compared to those living in rural areas. " According to scientists, 2,000-3,000 people die in Paris every year because of air pollution ," Paris deputy mayor Denis Baupin said.

Mr. Baupin is in charge of environmental policy in Paris. Currently the city is taking steps towards improving air quality and building environmentally friendly public transport works, reducing cars on the capital streets every quarter.

The Air de Paris bubble is probably one of the city's least polluting ' transportation ' vehicles. But the value ball operation is to raise the sense of community about pollution. " Every morning, we have three classes from Paris' schools. They go into the ball, have an interesting flight and learn about air quality ," said Jerome Giacomoni, Aerophile president. .