European Commission shakes finger at Belgium for poor air quality

The European Commission is concerned that Belgium is not properly limiting its citizens’ exposure to the particle matter known as PM10. Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air that includes aerosols, smoke, fumes, dust, ash and pollen.

The PM10 particles are mainly present in pollutant emissions from industry, traffic and domestic heating. They can cause asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death.

The Commission indicates that residents of Brussels, Ghent’s port area, Antwerp, Liège and the Flanders region in general have been exposed since 2005 to PM10 levels judged harmful to one’s health. The Commission is pressing Belgium to act quickly on the matter to ensure the period of non-conformity is as short as possible.

To lay on the pressure, the Commission has sent a reasoned opinion to Belgium; this after an initial notice letter sent in November 2012. If Belgium continues to negate the issue, the Commission could take the matter up with the EU Court of Justice.

Photo courtesy of Flickr/JT