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Concentrations of particulate matter in air, 2001

Developments in the concentrations of particulate matter


In 2001, the average annual concentration of particulate matter (PM10), averaged out over the Netherlands, was 31 µg/m3. The threshold value of 40 µg/m3 for the annual average concentration of particulate matter is still being slightly exceeded in a limited number of urban areas, with a maximum concentration of 50 µg/m3. Higher concentrations have been noted in the heavily industrialised Maasvlakte area. The concentration increases in a band from the north to the south due to the growing influence of sources in the Netherlands and neighbouring countries. The relative contribution of the aerosol formed from sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3) is falling as a result of the international acidification abatement policy.

Policy


Current particulate matter policy focuses on both air quality and emissions. The air quality policy is based on the EU daughter directive, which prescribes an annual average (40 µg/m3) and a 24-hour average standard (50 µg/m3 - with 35 permitted exceedances) for particulate matter for the purpose of protecting health. These limit values must be met by 2005. Stricter indicative standards have also been set for 2010. The daughter directive will be evaluated in 2003. The emissions policy is designed using a variety of instruments that include emission objectives. The instruments include the emission objective for vehicles and the Besluit emissie-eisen stookinstallaties (Emission Requirements for Combustion Installations Decree) (BEES).

Relevance


In 2000 in the Netherlands, there were an estimated 1,700 premature deaths due to air pollution by particulate matter. These severe health effects, such as premature deaths and emergency admissions, will be particularly common among people with increased susceptibility. Relative modest health effects, such as respiratory symptoms, can be widespread in the population - and they are therefore found in many people.

Definition


The particulate matter problem is included under the environmental theme of Acidification. The problem revolves around the health effects caused by inhaling very small suspended particles in the air. The term "particulate matter" (or PM10) is used for the fraction of suspended particles in the atmosphere with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 µm or smaller.

Note


Particulate matter (PM10) is emitted directly to air, mainly by transport, industry, and agriculture. It is formed in the atmosphere from the acid emissions of SO2, NOX and NH3. Most particulate matter emitted to air by human activities comes from abroad. However, in densely-populated areas, the emissions from traffic and industry account for local increases in the concentrations of particulate matter. Wind-blown dust from the soil and sea salt make natural contributions to the concentration of suspended particles.

Technical note


The map is based on measurements from the National Air Quality Monitoring Network (Landelijk Meetnet Luchtkwaliteit), which interpolates the measuring stations using information from calculation models.

References


Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium


Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium
This page was last changed on November 18, 2005  (version 01).