Steady improvement to Brussels air quality

Brussels air quality met European standards at all reference stations in the capital in 2024, according to measurements by Brussels Environment.

The stricter targets to be achieved by 2030 also appeared to have been largely met, Bruzz reports, except in several high-traffic neighbourhoods.

The highest concentrations were measured at the Regent, Arts-Loi and Midi measuring stations, which are located on the inner ring road.

For particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and ozone, the European standards were met, but not the World Health Organisation guidelines. This is also the case for sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide.

Overall, the latest annual report on air quality from Brussels Environment shows that pollution has been steadily declining over the past 10 years.

Brussels Environment attributes this to, among other things, the low-emissions zone, the shift towards fewer car journeys and the accelerated transition from diesel to other engines.

However, the stricter guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO), based on the health impact of air pollution, are not yet being met.

Brussels Environment acknowledges that “even greater efforts are needed to protect the health of Brussels residents”.

Excessive exposure to air pollution, especially particulate matter, can lead to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders and premature death.