In 2023, the air quality along roads met European nitrogen standards everywhere. With regard to particulate matter, there were seven locations along roads and near livestock farms that did not meet the standards. Even at amounts below the current standards, air pollution may still cause health effects. That is why the European standards are becoming more stringent. Even though emissions are likely to decrease further, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) expects that the introduction of these new standards in 2030 will lead to many more particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide exceedances.
RIVM monitors whether the Netherlands meets the standards each year
Each year, RIVM monitors whether the amounts of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in the air meet the European air quality standards. The applicable standards pertain to nitrogen dioxide along roads and particulate matter along roads and near livestock farms. The authorities use the monitoring results to determine where additional measures are needed.
Particulate matter limit values exceeded at seven locations
In 2023, the air quality along roads met European nitrogen standards everywhere. At seven locations, the particulate matter limit value in the air was exceeded. One of these locations was along a road, while the six others were in intensive livestock farming areas. Exceedances were found at 14 fewer locations than in 2022.
More stringent standards in 2030 expected to lead to more exceedances
It is likely that the emissions of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter will decrease further in the coming years. However, even these lower emission levels may be harmful to health. That is why the European standards are becoming more stringent. RIVM expects that the standards will be exceeded at many more locations from 2030.
Under the Environment and Planning Act, which has been in force since 1 January 2024, Air Quality Monitoring succeeds the monitoring that took place within the framework of the National Air Quality Cooperation Programme (Nationaal Samenwerkingsprogramma Luchtkwaliteit, NSL).