RIVM expects the air quality to be poor or even very poor over Easter in some areas. These are the areas where Easter fires will be lit and where these have not been cancelled. This weekend’s forecast is for an easterly wind, with little wind in the evening and a limited mixture between layers in the higher atmosphere. These weather conditions prevents the smoke from dissipating and may lead to poorer air quality in other parts of the Netherlands. On Sunday and Monday, the air quality is expected to improve during the day thanks to increasing wind and forecast showers.
Traditionally, most Easter fires in the Netherlands are lit in the evening on Easter Sunday. As a result, the air quality around Easter fires is expected to show a brief decline on Sunday evening. The high concentrations of fine particles released by the Easter fires may cause health problems. We advise people who are sensitive to smog to remain indoors and limit any strenuous physical activity.
People in the Netherlands may experience a decline in air quality from Easter fires lit in Germany on Friday 18 April and Saturday 19 April, when an easterly wind is forecast. The extent to which people are affected by smell, smoke or particles depends on such factors as wind direction, wind speed and the distance from the Easter fire.
Respiratory symptoms
When combined with other airborne contaminants, high concentrations of fine particles in the air resulting from the burning of wood can lead to reduced lung function. This may worsen the symptoms of illnesses like asthma. It may also cause a worsening of respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. People with lung diseases like asthma and COPD or those with cardiovascular disease (particularly the elderly) may be most affected. They can avoid or reduce the effect of symptoms by staying indoors and avoiding strenuous physical activity during the period when Easter fires are lit. Some people may benefit from adjustments to their medication. Adjustments must always be made in consultation with a doctor. People who experience symptoms can contact their GP or Municipal Public Health Service.
Check the air quality
The website Luchtmeetnet.nl shows the air quality in all areas of the Netherlands. This is based on monitoring data gathered from a number of government agencies. The website is an initiative of RIVM, the Public Health Service of Amsterdam, DCMR Environmental Protection Agency Rijnmond, the province of Limburg, the Central and West Brabant Environmental Service and the Regional Environmental Service Arnhem.
Measure Together
This Easter, people throughout the Netherlands will once again measure the air quality where they live and share their measurements on the Measure Together data portal. Thanks to their large number and their location all over the country, the measuring points provide a useful complementary picture of the air quality over the Netherlands.