Paris Olympic venues fall short of WHO air quality standards

The French association Respire has revealed that air quality around Olympic venues in France fails to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards, raising alarm bells for athletes and spectators alike.

According to Report, which cites TASS, nearly all sports facilities exceed WHO-defined air pollution levels. This revelation is particularly worrying given the importance of clean air for athletic performance and overall health.

The majority of the capital's sports venues are situated near the Paris Ring Road (Boulevard Périphérique), where elevated levels of NO2 emissions have been recorded.

"Engaging in sports under such air conditions is hazardous to health,"warns Toni Renucci, head of the Respire association.

Earlier, the water quality in the Seine River, where some swimming events are scheduled, was deemed unsatisfactory. Despite this, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and French President Emmanuel Macron have both expressed intentions to swim in the river.