INERIS, in partnership with IMT Nord Europe and LNE, is responsible for the technical coordination of air quality monitoring in France on behalf of the Central Air Quality Monitoring Laboratory (LCSQA). In this context, the Institute runs a national observatory for the chemical composition and sources of fine particles in urban and peri- al areas (known as the CARA programme), which is now reinforced by real-time measurements that help to analyse pollution episodes. The Institute is actively involved in preparing for future monitoring as defined in the 2024 directive by integrating innovative data measurement and processing systems (low-cost sensor networks, supersites, satellite data) and monitoring new pollutants (pesticides, particle numbers, etc.). INERIS also develops and operates Geod'air, a national QA data management system, and disseminates its data (in particular on the platform data.gouv.fr).
In partnership with the CNRS, INERIS has developed the CHIMERE chemistry-transport model, which is at the heart of a national air quality forecasting system. This tool calculates the concentrations and atmospheric fallout of the main pollutants for mainland France and the overseas departments and regions, taking into account anthropogenic and natural emissions and meteorological conditions. It is used to forecast air quality a few days in advance on the national Prev'air platform in partnership with Météo France and the CNRS/Institut Pierre Simon Laplace. The expertise of the Prev'air consortium is internationally recognised and INERIS plays an important role in European atmospheric monitoring services (Copernicus). The model is also used for research purposes and, by simulating medium-term air quality, to evaluate management policies in support of European negotiations on "national emission ceilings" or to define the objectives of the National Plan for the Reduction of Air Pollutant Emissions (PREPA).
In addition to the national partnerships mentioned above, INERIS is developing its collaborations at European level. The Institute is involved in the European research infrastructure ACTRIS (responsible for ACMCC, the French unit of the European Centre of Expertise for In Situ Aerosol Measurement), the Copernicus programme mentioned above, the LRTAP Convention and the EEA's Thematic Centre on Health and Environment.
For several years, better characterisation of the (eco-)toxicological effects of air quality has also been one of the institute's priorities. By combining in vivo, in vitro and in silico approaches, the Institute hopes to better understand these effects and differentiate them according to the source and nature of the pollutants.
