Dutch air quality: policy

Policy

The government uses two instruments: firstly, a system of emission targets to reduce the environmental pressure and, secondly, air quality standards to test the concentrations measured.
The emission objectives were formulated in part in the context of the environmental theme Acidification and transboundary air pollution. The emissions policy is designed using a variety of instruments, including emission objectives.
Given EU developments, new standards for air quality are being implemented in Dutch legislation. The old Dutch standards will become obsolete in the process. For testing air quality, there are standards relating to chronic exposure and to peak concentrations, the aim of which is to protect people and ecosystems.

• See the overview of standards for Dutch air quality.

Monitoring data for the air quality of the human living environment

The National Air Quality Measurement Network provides continuous monitoring of environmental quality in the air compartment.

• The measurements serve to appraise air quality using the standards in conjunction with models. The aim is to provide supporting material for the general description of air quality on the national, regional and local scales with a view to providing information about periods of increased air pollution (smog).
• Some monitoring sites of the National Air Quality Monitoring Network are also used in international monitoring networks. Data from these sites are used for studying international air quality.

• See the relationship between emission data and air concentrations.

References

• RIVM (2002). Jaaroverzicht luchtkwaliteit 2001. RIVM, report 725 301 009, Bilthoven.

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Dutch air quality: overview of standards
• Guide to Environmental theme of Acidification and transboundary air pollution
• Health effects in the Netherlands of particulate matter and ozone, 2000
• Health effects caused by environmental factors in the Netherlands

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium

• More information about concentrations of substances in the air can be found on the site of the National Air Quality Measurement Network.
• Information about current and future developments relating to local air pollution can be found in Environmental Balance 2002 and the National Environmental Outlook 2000-2030.