Air pollutionWallonia
Traffic rules
Wallonia
79. Air pollution
Air pollution is the presence of gases, particles or other substances in the air at concentrations that can harm human health, the environment or ecosystems. Road traffic contributes to air pollution through exhaust emissions and through non-exhaust sources such as brake wear, tyre wear and road dust.
Important traffic-related pollutants include nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds. Some pollutants are emitted directly by vehicles, while others can form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions. Vehicle-emission standards, cleaner technologies and traffic-management measures are used to reduce these emissions.
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Is road traffic an important source of air pollution in Belgium?
Yes. Road traffic contributes to several air pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and its influence can be especially important near busy roads and in densely populated areas.
Which traffic-related pollutant is especially important near Belgian roads?
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is strongly associated with road traffic. The highest concentrations in Flanders are particularly linked to heavily trafficked roads.
Does Belgian road traffic also produce particulate matter?
Yes. Vehicles can contribute particulate matter through exhaust emissions as well as brake wear, tyre wear, road wear and resuspended road dust.
Do modern diesel cars still affect Belgian air quality?
Yes. Modern emission-control systems have greatly reduced pollutants from newer vehicles, but diesel traffic can still contribute to nitrogen-oxide and particulate emissions. The actual emissions depend on the vehicle technology, condition and driving circumstances.
How does Belgium measure air pollution?
Air quality is monitored through regional measurement networks, with Belgian data coordinated and reported through IRCEL-CELINE. Pollutants monitored include particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.
Can you check current air quality in Belgium?
Yes. Belgian and regional air-quality services provide current measurements, maps and air-quality indices so that people can check conditions in their area.
What is the Belgian air-quality index?
Belgium uses the BelAQI air-quality index to communicate short-term air quality based on concentrations of important pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.
Why does Brussels have a Low Emission Zone?
The Brussels Low Emission Zone restricts the most polluting vehicles in order to reduce traffic-related air pollution and improve public health.
Are Belgian low-emission zones based directly on measured exhaust pollution?
Not normally. Vehicle access is generally determined using characteristics such as the vehicle category, fuel type and Euro emission standard rather than measuring the emissions of each vehicle when it enters the zone.
Do electric cars eliminate all traffic-related air pollution?
No. Fully electric cars have no combustion-engine exhaust emissions while driving, but tyres, road wear and braking can still produce particulate matter.
Can air quality vary significantly within the same Belgian city?
Yes. Traffic-related pollution can vary considerably over short distances. Concentrations can be higher beside busy roads than in quieter streets or urban-background locations.
How can drivers help reduce traffic-related air pollution?
Drivers can reduce unnecessary emissions by maintaining their vehicle correctly, avoiding unnecessary idling, driving smoothly and using lower-emission transport alternatives where practical. Public transport, cycling and walking can also reduce the amount of motor traffic contributing to urban air pollution.
