Particulate matter concentration exceedances, 1992-2001
Exceedances for particulate matter
Measurements taken in the Netherlands show that the number of exceedances of the 24-hour average standard (50 µg/m3) is falling. In 2001, the average for the Netherlands was 35 exceedances. Exceedances in the southern provinces were above the average and exceedances in the northern provinces below the average.
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.
Technical note
The blue area in the graph shows the maximum (upper limit) and minimum (lower limit) number of exceedances in a grid of 5 x 5 km2 across the Netherlands.
References
- RIVM (2002). Jaaroverzicht luchtkwaliteit 2001. RIVM, report 725 301 009, Bilthoven.
Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium
- Concentrations of particulate matter in air, 2001
- Concentrations of particulate matter in urban and regional sites (page is not available yet)
- Dutch air quality: policy
- Dutch air quality: overview of standards
- Concentration of greenhouse gases, 1980-2002
- 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.
