Brussels’ air quality continues to raise alarms as a recent report from the citizen movement BRAL indicates that nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels in the region remain “generally insufficient.”
This finding comes as the European Union aims to set stricter air quality standards in the near future, highlighting an ongoing environmental challenge for the Belgian capital.
The analysis was conducted through a collaboration between BRAL and the regional agency Bruxelles Environnement, which monitored air quality at 24 new measurement points across the Brussels-Capital Region.
This initiative builds on previous efforts led by CurieuzenAir, which utilized citizen-driven data collection to underscore the city’s deteriorating air quality.
Between September and October 2021, CurieuzenAir gathered data from 3,000 citizen-measured points, revealing significant air pollution concerns that prompted further investigation.
The latest monitoring effort, dubbed the ExpAIR project, has focused on areas that lack official and fixed air quality monitoring stations.
The installation of these 24 new measurement points was aimed at capturing a more comprehensive view of air quality across the region, especially in neighborhoods previously overlooked by existing monitoring frameworks.
The findings from BRAL and Bruxelles Environnement, based on nitrogen dioxide concentrations measured from June 2023 to June 2024, reveal that four locations exceeded the European annual limit of 40 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter).
The most alarming results were recorded at Toison d’Or, where levels reached 50.5 µg/m³; Rue Piers in Molenbeek at 46 µg/m³; Porte de Flandre at 45.5 µg/m³; and Sainctelette at 40 µg/m³.
These figures not only violate European air quality standards but also pose serious health risks to the local population, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
The elevated nitrogen dioxide levels are primarily attributed to traffic emissions, industrial activities, and other urban pollutants, which have long plagued Brussels and other major cities across Europe.
Experts stress that immediate action is necessary to mitigate these pollution levels and improve the overall air quality for residents.
BRAL has urged local and regional authorities to adopt more stringent measures to combat air pollution, including promoting public transport, investing in greener alternatives, and enhancing regulations on vehicle emissions.
The organization emphasizes that addressing air quality issues is not only essential for public health but also for environmental sustainability.
As Brussels prepares to face stricter EU air quality standards in the coming years, the results from the ExpAIR project underscore the need for swift and decisive action.
The persistence of inadequate air quality levels serves as a wake-up call for both policymakers and the public, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize clean air initiatives.
Residents and environmental advocates alike are calling for greater transparency and accountability from authorities, urging them to take responsibility for the city’s air quality issues.
With ongoing efforts like the ExpAIR project and citizen participation in data collection, there is hope that Brussels can pave the way towards cleaner air and a healthier future for all its inhabitants.
As the debate surrounding air quality continues, the emphasis on collaboration between citizens, organizations, and authorities will be crucial in driving meaningful change in Brussels’ environmental policies.
