The Generalitat has activated a preventive warning for air pollution across Catalonia this Wednesday after elevated levels of PM10, airborne particles smaller than 10 microns, were recorded at monitoring stations around the country. For residents, commuters and people with respiratory conditions, that means poorer air quality and an official recommendation to cut avoidable pollution until levels fall.

According to the Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition, the daily average PM10 level on Tuesday exceeded 50 micrograms per cubic metre at 10 measuring stations. By 8am on Wednesday, that threshold had again been exceeded at six points: Juneda, Manlleu, Mollet del Vallès, Montcada i Reixac, Santa Perpètua de Mogoda and Vilafranca del Penedès.

The Generalitat said in its official press note that smoke from fires in recent days and hours has contributed to the deterioration in air quality. The warning is preventive rather than an emergency restriction, but the government is asking the public to help avoid further pollution.

Where levels were exceeded

The warning applies to the whole of Catalonia, but the stations named by the Generalitat on Wednesday morning were:

  • Juneda
  • Manlleu
  • Mollet del Vallès
  • Montcada i Reixac
  • Santa Perpètua de Mogoda
  • Vilafranca del Penedès

The official PM10 report published by the Departament de Territori, Habitatge i Transició Ecològica and the Direcció General de Canvi Climàtic i Qualitat Ambiental, the regional authority for climate change and environmental quality, tracks the daily readings used to trigger these alerts.

What the warning means for residents

A preventive warning is activated when pollutant levels are moderate or high and there is a risk they could persist. The Generalitat says the measure is intended to reduce emissions from traffic, industry and other sources while the episode continues.

The government has called on citizens to use public transport, reduce private vehicle journeys where possible and avoid activities that generate dust or smoke.

People who want to check conditions in real time can use the Generalitat's air quality portal. Public health guidance on pollution episodes, including advice for more vulnerable groups, is also available from the Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Catalonia's public health agency.

Readers can also follow broader environmental and public health developments through our coverage of air quality and Catalonia environment.

The current episode remains active until the Generalitat announces that particle levels have dropped sufficiently for the warning to be lifted.

Primary sources: Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament de Territori, Habitatge i Transició Ecològica, Departament de Territori, Habitatge i Transició Ecològica (Gencat), Govern de Catalunya, Govern de Catalunya. Reported by Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, Les Borges Blanques City Council, Regió 7.