Meghan Hodges
The Netherlands struggles with air pollution, which is caused by a combination of factors including traffic, industry, and foreign emissions. The air quality in the Netherlands is so poor that it has been linked to premature deaths and a reduction in life expectancy of thirteen months on average. The country's largest and most populous city, Amsterdam, has the highest number of polluted streets among the five largest cities, with high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM). The Netherlands exceeds EU standards for these pollutants, and while there has been a slight improvement in air quality in recent years, the air remains unhealthy in many locations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution ranking in 2019 | 75 out of 98 countries |
| Number of premature deaths due to air pollution in 2014 | 12,000 |
| Average reduction in life expectancy due to air pollution | 13 months |
| Main air pollutants | Particulate matter (PM), soot (BC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2) |
| EU standards for particulate matter | PM10: 20 µg/m³, PM2.5: 10 µg/m³ |
| World Health Organization (WHO) recommended targets | PM10: 20 µg/m³, PM2.5: 10 µg/m³ |
| Amsterdam's air quality in 2020 | Good, with a US AQI of 18 |
| Amsterdam's main pollutant concentrations in 2020 | PM2.5: 4.3 µg/m³, PM10: 3.9 µg/m³, O3: 33.1 µg/m³, NO2: 5.3 µg/m³, CO: 5.3 µg/m³ |
| Percentage of particulate matter from foreign emissions | Up to 30% |
| Health effects of air pollution | Respiratory and cardiovascular issues, increased sensitivity to infections, temporary complaints like dry eyes and coughing, headaches, nausea, dizziness, skin rashes |
| Change in nitrogen dioxide levels from 2021 to 2022 | Approximately 4% increase |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution from traffic
The Netherlands faces a significant issue with air pollution, with the air deemed unhealthy in almost every part of the country. In 2019, the country was ranked 75th out of 98 countries for air quality. Air pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including traffic, agriculture, industry, and wood-burning in homes. While traffic is a major contributor to air pollution in the Netherlands, it is important to recognise that the issue is complex and influenced by a range of factors.
Traffic is a significant source of air pollution in the Netherlands, particularly in densely populated areas such as Amsterdam. The combustion of fuel in car engines releases nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a harmful pollutant that has severe health impacts. Nitrogen dioxide is a major concern in the Netherlands, with levels exceeding EU standards in many places. NO2 is easier to measure than soot or particulate matter, so it is often used as an indicator of the harmfulness of air pollution from traffic. High levels of NO2 have been found in large cities, near motorways, and around large road junctions. Amsterdam, for example, has been shown to have a high number of polluted streets, with 4 out of 10 streets in one study displaying very high levels of NO2.
Particulate matter, or PM, is another pollutant of concern in the Netherlands. PM consists of various solid particles suspended in the air, and the smaller the particle, the more harmful it is. While PM can come from sources like agriculture and industry, traffic also contributes significantly to PM pollution. Exhaust emissions from cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, and scooters release PM, with diesel vehicles being particularly harmful. Tyre, brake, and road surface wear also contribute to PM pollution.
The health impacts of air pollution from traffic are significant. Tens of thousands of Dutch people suffer serious illnesses due to air pollution, and thousands die prematurely each year. The elderly, children, and those with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are especially vulnerable to the effects of polluted air. It is estimated that air pollution reduces the average Dutch person's life expectancy by thirteen months.
To address air pollution from traffic, the Dutch government has acknowledged the urgency of the issue and committed to taking action. The city of Rotterdam, for example, has implemented stricter environmental zones and regulations for businesses to reduce emissions. However, more stringent regulations and enforcement are needed to meet the stricter World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and truly protect public health.
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Nitrogen dioxide levels
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gas that is released during combustion, especially at high temperatures, such as in car engines. In the Netherlands, it is largely produced by traffic and industry and is therefore an important indicator of air pollution caused by these activities. Exposure to NO2 can lead to reduced pulmonary function and an increase in respiratory issues, asthma attacks, and sensitivity to infections.
The Netherlands has struggled to meet EU air quality standards for NO2, with the gas contributing significantly to air pollution in the country. In 2019, the country was ranked 75th out of 98 countries for air quality, and it is estimated that thousands of people die prematurely each year due to air pollution. While there has been a focus on reducing emissions, the country continues to face a "protracted nitrogen crisis," with construction projects being suspended to address the issue.
The concentration of NO2 in the Netherlands varies geographically, with higher levels primarily found in the Randstad conurbation in the west and middle of the country. In 2015, NO2 levels exceeded the standard at several inner-city locations within this region, which are influenced by traffic and industrial activities. The city of Amsterdam, in particular, has been noted for its high levels of NO2, with approximately 4 out of 10 streets exhibiting very high concentrations.
To address the issue of NO2 pollution, the Netherlands has implemented measures to reduce emissions. In 2015, the country was given a deferment for nitrogen dioxide until 2015 as part of the National Air Quality Cooperation. Additionally, in 2020, the Advisory Committee on the Nitrogen Problem recommended a long-term solution of reducing nationwide emissions of NH3 and NOx by 50% compared to 2019 levels. However, despite these efforts, the country continues to face challenges in meeting air quality standards and protecting the health of its citizens.
While the EU has set standards for NO2 levels, these standards have been criticized as insufficiently protective of human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended much lower targets for a healthy living environment, suggesting levels of less than 10 µg/m³ for particulate matter. This highlights the need for stricter regulations to ensure clean air and protect public health in the Netherlands and beyond.
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Particulate matter
The Netherlands faces a significant issue with particulate matter pollution, which is a major contributor to the country's overall air quality problems. Particulate matter refers to everything floating in the air that is smaller than 10 micrometres (μm). It includes both primary and secondary particulate matter.
Primary particulate matter consists of man-made particles such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals. These particles are directly emitted into the atmosphere, often from sources like road traffic, industrial emissions, and wear emissions from vehicles. Metal particles, in particular, pose a significant health risk to the population.
Secondary particulate matter, on the other hand, is formed through chemical reactions of gases in the atmosphere. For example, ammonium nitrate is a type of secondary particulate matter created when ammonia from intensive livestock farming combines with nitrogen dioxide from other sources. This type of particulate matter is also prevalent in the Netherlands due to the country's substantial agricultural industry.
The Netherlands continues to exceed EU standards for particulate matter, and the air quality in many places remains unhealthy. In 2019, the country was ranked 75th out of 98 countries for air quality. Even in locations that meet EU standards, the air is not always considered healthy, as the EU standards are based on economic feasibility rather than solely on health considerations. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended much lower concentrations of particulate matter to ensure a healthy living environment.
The health impacts of particulate matter pollution in the Netherlands are significant. It is estimated that 11,000 people die prematurely each year due to air pollution, with particulate matter being the cause in 80% of these cases. Ultrafine particles, in particular, are of concern as they can penetrate deep into the airways, lungs, alveoli, and bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and potentially impacting foetal development.
To address this issue, organizations like TNO are developing technologies to map and combat particulate matter at its source. Stricter regulations and enforcement of existing standards are also necessary to improve air quality and protect public health in the Netherlands.
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Ozone and nitrogen oxides
The Netherlands has a significant problem with air pollution. Even with blue skies and sunshine, the air can be filled with harmful pollutants. These pollutants are so small that they are invisible to the naked eye. The country ranked 75th out of 98 countries in the 2019 Air Quality Index (AQI) rankings.
Ozone (O3) and nitrogen oxides are among the most harmful pollutants in the Netherlands. Ozone is a major contributor to smog, which occurs when pollutants accumulate in the air on sunny days with little wind. This typically happens in spring and summer and is known as "summer smog". The EU has set an information threshold of 180 micrograms of ozone per cubic metre of air, at which point sensitive individuals may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. The EU's alert threshold is 240 micrograms per cubic metre, at which point the Dutch air quality index classifies the air as "very poor".
Nitrogen oxides, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are released during combustion, especially in car engines at high temperatures. Nitrogen dioxide is extremely harmful to human health, causing respiratory issues and contributing to premature deaths. In 2014, it was estimated that 12,000 people in the Netherlands died prematurely due to air pollution, resulting in an average reduction of 13 months in life expectancy. The Netherlands often exceeds EU standards for nitrogen dioxide, indicating the need for stricter regulations to protect public health.
Satellite measurements show that between 2005 and 2018, there was a reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions over the Netherlands, accompanied by an increase in ozone. This changing NOx chemistry has resulted in a shift towards NO2 and potentially shorter NOx lifetimes. The southern part of the country saw a reduction in anthropogenic NOx emissions of approximately 30%. However, the interpretation of satellite NO2 data is complex due to factors such as background NO2 levels and changes in the chemical regime of emissions.
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Foreign emissions
In the context of the Netherlands, foreign emissions are an important consideration due to the country's high level of trade and economic development. The Netherlands is a highly developed country with a strong economy, which means that its per-capita energy-related CO2 emissions tend to be higher compared to less economically developed nations. The country's annual emissions can be influenced by its population size, and when adjusted for trade, the Netherlands' consumption-based CO2 emissions may differ from its production-based emissions.
To address foreign emissions and reduce their impact on the environment, the Netherlands has implemented several measures. One notable effort is the establishment of low-emission zones in some Dutch city centres. These zones aim to improve air quality by enforcing emission standards for vehicles, including foreign vehicles, operating within their boundaries. The rules for low-emission zones typically apply to trucks, coaches, diesel-powered passenger cars, and vans, with specific emission standards determining which vehicles are permitted in certain zones.
Additionally, the Netherlands has introduced zero-emission zones in the city centres of fourteen Dutch cities, which will come into effect on January 1, 2025. These zones will apply to trucks and vans, further reducing foreign emissions from vehicles. The country also has a rating system called the emissions standard, which indicates how low the emissions of a diesel vehicle are. A higher rating corresponds to lower emissions, and this standard is used to determine which vehicles are allowed in specific low-emission zones.
While the Netherlands has taken steps to address foreign emissions, particularly in the transportation sector, there is still room for improvement. The country continues to exceed the European Union (EU) standards for particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in many places, indicating that stricter regulations and enforcement are necessary to achieve healthy air quality levels. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended much lower concentrations of particulate matter and stricter standards than the EU to protect public health.
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Frequently asked questions
The Netherlands faces air pollution due to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide.
The sources of air pollution in the Netherlands include traffic, trucks, electric vehicles, and intensive livestock farming.
Amsterdam has the largest number of polluted streets among the five largest cities in the Netherlands, with high levels of nitrogen dioxide.
Air pollution is harmful to human health and can lead to premature death and a reduction in life expectancy. In 2014, around 12,000 people died prematurely in the Netherlands due to air pollution, and it is estimated that the Dutch live an average of 13 months shorter lives as a result.
The Netherlands has implemented the National Air Quality Cooperation Programme (NSL) and is working towards the Clean Air Agreement. The country also adopted a policy in May 2022, which is expected to improve air quality by 2035 and 2040.
