Air quality news
Updates on installations, improvements, tests and the 1001 other things we do.
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…
Green Building Certification: Your Checklist for Successful Performance Verification
Performance verification is the finish line of a green building certification marathon for a building project. At this moment, a project team and people involved in the construction of the building get to know if all the solutions and mechanisms implemented in the building are working following the design plan.
Given the importance of these tests, the Airscan team has prepared a short checklist that will help your green building project achieve the certification(s) and receive the highest possible score…
Ozone Levels In Brussels For The Last 10 Years
Did you know that the very air we breathe can be both a shield and a hazard? While ozone high up in the atmosphere protects us from the sun’s harmful rays, ground-level ozone can pose serious health risks. Airscan’s latest decade-long study reveals alarming trends in ozone levels across Brussels, with certain summer days seeing concentrations double the WHO’s recommended limit. Dive into our findings to understand how ozone impacts your environment and discover practical tips to protect yourself during high-pollution days..
Pure Cities: how temperature, wind and rain shape our air
This article explores the seasonal variations in air pollution and the influence of meteorological factors on pollutant concentrations, focusing on data from the “Pure Cities” project in Belgium. Analyzing pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, and NO2, the study highlights how temperature, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation affect air quality throughout the year. Findings show that pollutant levels tend to rise during colder months due to increased residential heating and reduced dispersion. The article discusses the importance of addressing seasonal pollution through targeted strategies, such as enhancing public transport, promoting green spaces, and aligning regulations with WHO guidelines.
Beats for Planet: Key Findings of 3 Years of Air Quality Monitoring in Belgian Schools
3 Years of Beats for Planet: this is what we know about air quality in Belgian schools! If you have been following Airscan for a while, you will definitely know Beats for Planet. Airscan launched this project with Belfius three years ago with the aim of helping schools improve their air quality. In the framework of this project, Airscan has collected and analyzed data from 72 schools around Belgium for three indoor pollutants: carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). This is what we found..
Urban green spaces and Car Free day: can parks help purify our air?
Air quality plays a vital role in the overall health and well-being of urban populations. Clean air is essential for maintaining respiratory and cardiovascular health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. However, urban environments are often hotspots for air pollution, much of which is caused by traffic emissions. The day without cars takes place annually in Brussels, to promote and encourage its citizens to use more sustainable modes of transportation with the goal of reducing these emissions. This venture is of the utmost importance, as emissions in the city can reach consequential concentrations, harming our health and environment.
Wood Hub: WELL Pre-Test (Indoor Air and Water Quality)
Airscan was mandated by BPI to assess indoor air quality conditions and water quality in the Wood Hub building prior to the WELL certification (WELL pre-test). The results of this pre-testing will be used by the project team as input for the upcoming actual WELL certification of the building…
Mastercard x Airscan: BREEAM certification
Mastercard’s newly renovated HQ in Belgium set high standards for sustainability, aiming for BREEAM certification. Here’s how Airscan played a crucial role in helping the banking pioneer to achieve this goal. Let’s dive into the details of the project.
Beats for Planet: Schools have their say
Beats for Planet is celebrating its third anniversary. During this period, Airscan and Belfius have helped 75 schools in Belgium to map and improve air quality, both inside and outside the school.
