Atmo France has just launched an interactive map that lets people track local air quality.
Pesticides Across the Country
Atmo France, which brings together associations that monitor air quality, has conceived an interactive map that is “educational and transparent” to give everyone a clear point of reference. This new tool, named PhytAtmo Dataviz, aims to enable “understanding where, when, and in what contexts pesticides are detected in the air.”
“With PhytAtmo Dataviz, our objective is to provide shared, objective, and understandable information to feed the public debate, illuminate decisions and strengthen collective vigilance in the face of pesticides in the air,” explains Catherine Hervieu, president of Atmo France. What do the early results show? “Yes, pesticides are present in the air across the country. In 2023, among the 72 active substances sought, about one in three is detected and one in eight is quantified, with levels varying by territory and by periods of use.”
A Widespread and Repeated Exposure
As this interactive map demonstrates, these substances have been detected all over France, on the mainland as well as in overseas territories. As the association noted in a press release, “the presence of pesticides in the air raises numerous environmental and health questions. Even at very low concentrations, these substances can contribute to a diffuse and repeated exposure, fueling public concerns about their potential health effects.”
The first version of the map integrates data from 2022–2023. Data for 2026 will be added by June next year, with a yearly update thereafter. This data visualization details the number of active substances by location, as well as the weekly concentration trends on site. While it is not a health assessment, this online interactive visualization can nevertheless provide benchmarks to shed light on exposure issues, prevention, and public decision-making—whether for individuals, agricultural stakeholders, or public policymakers.
