Chronic pollution of ambient air
Polluted air is air that contains dust, smoke, biological pollutants or gases that should not normally be there. Too high a concentration of these substances in the air can be harmful to people, animals, plants and nature.
Chronic ambient air pollution is prolonged and repeated pollution, for example caused by ozone (O₃), fine particles or nitrogen.
Chronic ambient air pollution has a major impact on people and the environment. Pollutant particles in the air can have various health effects (e.g. respiratory problems, chronic illnesses, hospitalisation).
What can you do?
BEFORE
Your habits:
- Opt for greener mobility: public transport, cycling, walking, carpooling.
- Try to avoid using the car for short distances.
- Try to reduce fuel consumption by driving more calmly.
- Keep your car well maintained.
- Switch off your car's engine when stationary.
- Insulate your home properly.
- Reduce your heating.
- Avoid the most polluting forms of heating, such as an open hearth. Choose a heating system which is as economical as possible and highly efficient.
For your health:
- Consult your GP to find out whether a pollution peak will have an impact on your health.
- Visit the website Irceline to see the current air quality situation.
DURING
Your habits:
- Switch off your car's engine when stationary.
- Give preference to public transport, cycling or walking.
- Reduce your heating.
- Avoid the most polluting forms of heating, such as an open hearth. Choose a heating system which is as economical as possible and highly efficient.
For your health:
- Get informed and follow the recommendations of the authorities.
- Limit your activities outdoors. This applies in particular to:
- Elderly people;
- People with heart or lung disease;
- Babies and children.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.
- Avoid physical exertion, such as sports, between 12pm and 8pm.
- Consult your GP if you experience unusual breathing problems.
- Visit close friends and family who may have problems following a pollution peak.
AFTER
- No specific recommendations.
Impact and probability
The National Crisis Center is currently reassessing the analysis of this risk in the context of the forthcoming edition of the Belgian National Risk Assessment.
What do the authorities do?
The regional authorities are competent for clean air regulations and policies, and for implementing measures to tackle air pollution. These measures may pertain to the agricultural, industrial and transport sectors, for example through low-emission zones. Find out more:
- Flanders Environment Agency (Flanders) , air pollution warnings & the heat action plan from the Department of Care
- Brussels Environment (Brussels)
- Walloon Agency for Air and Climate (Wallonia), Wallonair & the heat and ozone plan from AVIQ
The regional environmental authorities are responsible for monitoring air pollution in Belgium. When pollution thresholds are exceeded, the Interregional Environmental Unit (CELINE) issues a warning. There are various thresholds:
- Information threshold: the population, with a specific focus on vulnerable groups (people suffering from lung or heart disease, the elderly, etc.), receives information and advice on how to protect themselves or limit air pollution.
- Alert threshold: measures are taken to reduce emissions when alert thresholds for fine particles are exceeded, and warnings are issued to the public as a whole.
Each regional authority takes measures in the event of an information or warning event, for example issuing a recommendation, banning wood burning or limiting speed to 90 km/hour. If necessary, the mayor can take additional measures in municipalities where concentrations are very high.