Air pollution: Brussels imposes several barriers…
Since last Saturday, the Brussels authorities have been on the alert pollution. Door it cold weather and the lack of wind is the air pollution to such an extent that certain critical thresholds were reached. This situation has not improved in the last 24 hours.
The average concentrations of particulate matter were above the information threshold of 35 µg/m3 (PM2.5) in the three regions. In Flanders is spoken of 40 µg/m³, in Brussels of 39 µg/m³ and in Wallonia of 42 µg/m³. Funnily enough, only Brussels has taken action for the time being in an attempt to do less fine particles to get in the air.
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In the capital, the information and awareness-raising phase has been going on for several days, but that is not enough according to the board. That is why a new phase will be activated from Saturday, namely that of the ‘intervention’. Despite the rise in temperatures expected from Monday, December 19, there would be no improvement in sight.
Speed limits and wood burning
Specifically, the maximum speed from December 17 reduced to 50 km/h where roads are normally limited to 70 or 90 km/h. A serious difference. The Police has already announced additional speed controls to do, so be careful. To accommodate citizens a little bit, it will be public transport (MIVB) temporary freethe day ticket for the bike sharing service Villo.
Also the use of wood stoves In Brussels forbiddenadvance the combustion of wood a lot of fine dust. An independent side note: this prohibition only applies to stoves and fireplaces die too heating serve. In other words, who only with pellet wood can heat because no alternative (fuel oil– from gasket…), in principle does not risk anything fine.
And in Flanders?
There is no question of a wood burning ban yet, although the Flemish Environmental Agency be careful not to do it that way stoke. It is clarified that the combustion of wood underlying substances releases, including small particles but also dioxins NL polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs damage DNA and are carcinogenic.
In Brussels, the Interregional Environment Unit (IRCEL) also that there are currently too many nitrogen dioxide is in the air. Vulnerable people are bound to stay at home.