Abstract

The Dutch National Air Quality Monitoring Network (LML) is one of the responsibilities of the Laboratory for Air Research of the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment. The main objectives of the LML are to monitor ambient air quality, supervise implementation of air quality standards, alert authorities and the public to pollution episodes, provide validation of model results, support diagnosis using model simulation, support short-term model prognosis and assist in quantifying atmospheric deposition. Part of the information on the monitoring network consists of a periodically published report providing overviews of the monitoring stations per chemical component and maps showing station locations. Brief descriptions are given on the setup of the network and measurement methods. Information on the development of measurement sites per component since the start of the LML in 1973 and participation in international monitoring programs is also included in the report. The components for the monitoring program are determined periodically in consultation with the Air Directorate of the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and Environment. The program for 1999 includes the gaseous components: carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, Volatile Organic Components, Very Volatile Organic Components, carbon dioxide,methane and fluorides. Further components in the program are formed by particulate matter like fine dust (PM10), Black Smoke, acidifying components (ammonium, chloride, nitrate, sulfate) heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, zinc) and the chemical compounds of precipitation (acidifying components, heavy metals, mercury, lindane).