Heatwave puts Belgian air quality levels under strain

Heatwave puts Belgian air quality levels under strain
As heatwave temperatures rise, officials warn that air quality levels could suffer.

With Tuesday on track to be the hottest day of the week, environmental officials warned that air quality levels could register a dip as ozone concentrations in the air pile up as a result of the heat.

The Interregional Environmental Cell (CELINE) said that air ozone levels remained in check throughout Monday, as they did not surpass European standards, which admit a maximum concentration level of 180 µg/m³.

But after the Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) warned that inland temperatures on Tuesday are expected to go beyond the 30s "practically everywhere," CELINE warned that there was a higher risk of going over the warning threshold.

A warning threshold means poor air quality levels will particularly affect the elderly population, children and individuals with respiratory conditions.

If ozone concentration levels surpass 240 µg/m³ an alert is issued for the whole of the population.

During periods of poor air quality, residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities or sports between noon and 22:00.

The Royal Meteorological Institute has put Belgium on orange alert for the heat until Sunday at 2:00 AM. A yellow alert has been issued for western Flanders, and coastal cities are not concerned by the institute's alert.

The Brussels Times


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