Air quality improved, but more particulate matter expected

Air quality improved, but more particulate matter expected

The air in the Netherlands has become a bit cleaner again. In 2015, the amount of exposure to nitrogen dioxide had fallen by 21 percent since 2010. The amount of particulate matter fell by almost a quarter in those five years. Nevertheless, RIVM does not see a bright future for air quality in the Netherlands.

In most of the Netherlands, the concentrations of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are below European standards, it writes RIVM in a report. The standard for nitrogen dioxide is still being exceeded in a number of busy streets in city centers, especially in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

The concentrations of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in most parts of the Netherlands are currently below the international standard (WHO standard) of 20 micrograms per cubic meter. Nevertheless, the standard is still exceeded in a number of busy streets in Rotterdam and Amsterdam in particular. Average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are falling, and RIVM expects that trend to continue until 2020.

According to the RIVM, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter are always harmful to health, regardless of whether the concentration is below or above the target standard.

View on this website an interactive graph about how clean the air in your area was in 2015 and what RIVM expects it to be in 2020.