👉 French fumes, also known as "smog" or "chinook fumes," are a term used to describe the air pollution that can occur in areas surrounding large cities, particularly those with heavy industrial activity or high traffic volumes, such as Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. These pollutants primarily consist of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances are released from sources like vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and burning fossil fuels. When these pollutants mix with sunlight, they form ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, which can cause respiratory issues, exacerbate asthma, and reduce lung function in humans and animals. The term "fumes" evokes the image of a hazy, polluted atmosphere that can linger for days, affecting not only local air quality but also contributing to broader environmental and health concerns.
