Air quality standards
Fresh air is a fundamental requirement of life. The indoor air conditions in workplaces, educational centres, hospitals, public buildings, cities and urbanisations where people spend a large part of their life is an essential determinant of healthy life and people’s well-being. Hazardous substances emitted from building materials, transport, industrial zones and indoor equipment and furniture or due to human activities indoors, such as combustion of fuels for cooking or heating, lead to a broad range of health problems and may even be fatal. Therefore, local and international authorities are continuously working on the development and update of indoor and outdoor air quality standards for better health and well-being.
Belgium Air Quality Standards
Belgium air quality standards were described in “Besluit van de Vlaamse Regering houdende maatregelen tot bestrijding van de gezondheidsrisico’s door verontreiniging van het binnenmilieu” in June 2004, the same document was revised and updated by Vlaamse Regering on 13 of july 2018. The directive includes limits for inorganic and organic pollutants, recommendations for comfort parameters as well as standards for biological contaminants (mould and yeast). The overview of the most common air pollutants and parameters is given in table 1. Moreover, the table includes both the actual threshold limit and desired target values to be achieved in the coming years.
World Health Organisation Standards For Indoor Air Quality
World health organisation standards and threshold limits for indoor air quality described in multiple books: “WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants”, “Guidelines for indoor air quality – household fuel combustion ”. The overview of WHO indoor air quality limits are given in table 2.
European Commission Standards For Outdoor Air Quality
The European Commission is actively working on ambient air quality monitoring and emissions reduction. For instance, Directive 2008/50/EC introduced additional PM2.5 objectives targeting minimisation of exposure to fine particles. These objectives were entered into force in 2020 with the maximum ambient PM2.5 concentration of 18 µg/m3 (3 years average). The overview of the most common air pollutants limits is given in table 3
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14 days of poor air quality in Brussels
If you have been outside in the last few weeks, you probably have felt the icy temperatures and cold winter weather, which also affects our health due to higher pollution in our cities.
Our air quality sensors that are placed near the busiest areas in Brussels, detected concentrations well above the European thresholds in the city and around, so your workout may be more affected by the air quality than you would think.
Emerging Air Quality Monitoring Trends for 2025
Discover the cutting-edge advancements shaping air quality monitoring in 2025. From real-time data modeling and AI-driven analyses to smart indoor systems and pollution source detection, explore how innovative technologies are transforming environmental and indoor air quality management. Learn how solutions like Airscan empower individuals, businesses, and governments to take proactive steps toward a cleaner, healthier future !
The Impact of Air Pollution on Athletes’ Health: A Review of Risks and Recommendations
The Brussels Marathon being a popular event in the heart of the city, it is interesting to note the lack of awareness the health risks of air pollution in an urban setting on the everyday athlete. Air pollution presents significant risks to health, both in the short and long term, particularly for individuals who engage in outdoor physical activity as they breathe more heavily and inhale greater amounts of polluted air, which can have serious repercussions. While Brussels is not amongst the most polluted cities in the world, it still accumulates concentrations above thresholds established by the World Health Organisation when it comes to air pollution. It’s important to stay aware of the health effects, and how to train in the most optimal conditions for an enhanced athletic performance…
