Home Brussels Belgian air loaded with fine particles

Belgian air loaded with fine particles

by editor
Over the past 24 hours, the concentration in the air of PM10 fine particles throughout Belgium has exceeded 50 micrograms per cubic meter (g / m³) — the threshold at which the population must be informed — the Interregional Environmental Unit (IRCEL) says.
Around 10 am this morning, the ever-rising 24-hour average of PM10 concentration was 63 g / m³ in Flanders, 51 g / m³ in Brussels and 60 g / m³ in Wallonia. 

PM10s are 10 micrometres in size and considered to be the most damaging to health. These micro-dust particles can enter the lungs, and increase the risk of cancer, asthma, allergies and respiratory or cardiovascular disease. 

When the concentration of these particles — due to industrial combustion, automobile engines and urban heating in particular — exceed 50 g / m³, the population must be notified so they might adapt their behaviour. Prolonged outdoor physical exercise, for instance, is not advisable. Limited car use or general energy consumption can also be beneficial to air quality. 

Particle concentration is expected to remain high over the next few hours, according to IRCEL, but the warning threshold will not be reached. Both rain and wind should disperse the fine particles in the air.

Related Posts