Entire Flemish population exposed to high concentrations of particulate matter
All residents of Flanders last year lived in an area where the World Health Organisation's (WHO) annual advisory value of fine particulate matter was exceeded, figures provided by Statistics Flanders showed on Thursday. In the long term, however, the numbers show a clear improvement.
Statistics for the year 2021 show that the WHO's annual advisory value of maximum 5 micrograms per cubic metre for fine particulates smaller than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) was exceeded everywhere in the Flemish Region. Viewed over a longer period, however, there is a clear decrease in the proportion of the population exposed to increased concentrations of fine dust. Since 2014, a limited number of Flemish residents have lived in a region where the annual advisory value for PM10 is respected, although last year 96 percent of residents were always exposed to too excessive PM10 on an annual basis.
"Flanders is more densely populated and this means more emissions from traffic and home heating, among other things. In addition, we have intensive livestock farming here."
Belgian cities remain more or less in the middle of European rankings when it comes to fine particulate pollution, data collected by the European Environment Agency showed earlier this year. What is striking is that the air quality in Flanders is significantly worse than in Wallonia. According to bio-engineering professor Roeland Samson (University of Antwerp), it is not remarkable that Flanders scores significantly worse than Wallonia: "Flanders is more densely populated and this means more emissions from traffic and home heating, among other things. In addition, we have intensive livestock farming here, which indirectly leads to extra particulate matter emissions", he told public broadcaster VRT NWS after comparative statistics were released in July.
With the best air quality in Europe, the Swedish city of Umeå tops the list. Portugal also scores well, with Faro and Funchal completing the top three.
(BRV)
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© BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR