News | RIVM

Air quality in the Netherlands in 2021 almost the same as in 2020

In 2021, the Netherlands once again met the European limit values for nitrogen dioxide emitted at ground-level by road traffic. This was also the case for particulate matter along the roads, with the exception of a small stretch of road near Velsen.

EU air policy gives an average of 6 extra years of life in the Netherlands

Since the 1970s, European policies to improve air quality have resulted in fewer emissions in many countries.

Slightly fewer adult smokers

In 2018, 22.4 per cent of the Dutch adult population indicated they were occasional smokers.

Dutch air quality shows little improvement in 2017

In 2017, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in most parts of the Netherlands were below European limit values.

Climate change, ozone depletion and air quality need to be addressed coherently

Ozone layer depletion, air pollution and climate change need to be addressed in connection with each other.

Less air pollution from traffic and industry but increased contribution from agriculture

International air policy has shown good results in Europe: in the past 35 years the air has become cleaner. Nevertheless air pollution is still an important cause of premature death.

Icy air measurements

Bernice Notenboom’s Arctic March expedition team has reached the summit of Greenland. She has conquered the 3500-metre high summit on Greenland with functioning air measuring equipment.

Climate reporter Bernice Notenboom arrives in Greenland for continuation of climate expedition

Climate reporter and expedition leader Bernice Notenboom and her team left for Greenland on 4 May 2015 for the second part of the Arctic March.

New insights on ammonia emissions

Calculated ammonia emissions in the Netherlands are still declining. However, emissions overall are greater than previously assumed.

Big Data gives more insight into the health impacts of air pollution

Long-term exposure to particulate air pollution and nitrogen dioxide has been found to be associated with total mortality and mortality from respiratory diseases and lung cancer in the Netherlands.