The Department of Climate Action of the Generalitat de Catalunya has activated a preventive warning for atmospheric pollution due to moderate levels of particles with a diameter of less than 10 microns (PM10) in the conurbation of Barcelona, as a result of the intrusion of African dust that affects the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula.
The preventive notice affects the 40 municipalities of the counties of Barcelonès, Baix Llobregat, Vallès Occidental and Vallès Oriental.
The preventive warning is activated to reduce pollutant emissions and involves its communication on the light panels of the main road axes, so that citizens know and prioritize the use of public transport.
It also implies that industrial activities and public works and electricity generation activate the work protocols provided in these cases and municipalities are recommended to stop or reduce activities or works with powdery materials.
The daily average of PM10 levels this past Sunday were higher than the value of 50 micrograms/cubic meter (µg/m³) at 27 air pollution measurement points throughout Catalonia.
This Monday morning the levels remained high, especially in the Barcelona conurbation, and the 24-hour forecast indicates that they may remain that way.
