Springtime smog: elevated particulate matter concentrations in Flanders

Particulate matter concentrations in Flanders remain very high. Over the past 24 hours, the average concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 in Flanders has exceeded 60 and 31 micrograms per cubic meter of air, respectively. As a result, the information phase that has been in effect since Monday remains active. This is reported by the Interregional Cell for the Environment (IRCEL) on Wednesday. The Flemish Environment Agency is therefore calling on the population not to use wood for additional heating or to create atmosphere.

The high concentrations of particulate matter arise because the air pollution is poorly diluted by low wind speeds. The weather conditions - sunny and mild temperatures during the day, cool nights - combined with the higher ammonia emissions at this time of year from agricultural activities, lead to increased concentrations of ammonium salts in the air. These springtime smog episodes occur occasionally in the spring.

Due to accumulation of air pollution and the virtual absence of wind, concentrations remain high for the next few days as well, says Frans Fierens of IRCEL.