High PAN concentrations during nonsummer periods: A study of two episodes in Creteil (Paris), France

The effect of sunlight on air containing hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides leads to a very complex series of reactions which form, among other secondary pollutants, peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN). This compound is believed to be the most useful indicator of photochemical pollution, and has been monitored for several months at the University of Creteil (Paris, France). Although it is commonly accepted that high PAN levels occur more frequently in summer, our results show elevated PAN concentrations during nonsummer periods, precisely during two episodes in October 1985 and February 1986. A close examination of these episodes indicates that, in addition to local photochemical production, long-range transport of polluted air masses can occur in winter, revealing the influence of emissions from central Europe.