The air quality in our country is getting better and for good reason. In recent years, increasingly stricter emission standards have been introduced from Europe. Various measures have also been taken in the Netherlands. The Clean Air Agreement is an example of this.
Alderman Mariette Sedee of Public Health: “The Clean Air Agreement has been around for a few years and the GGD has advocated that large municipalities participate in it. So also Haarlemmermeer. The municipality will now join the RIVM’s investigation into our air quality. The aim is to reduce particulate matter in our own environment. All parties aim for a health gain of at least 50 percent in 2030 compared to 2016.”
Health Studies
“Long-term exposure to particulate matter can have adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease and a decrease in lung function, especially in children, the elderly and the sick. Previous studies have already shown this,” says the alderman. “We just don’t yet have specific information about the sources of particulate matter and where they are located. That is why this RIVM study is a good start.”
Fire places
“For example, we will look at our roads and other economic sectors, but also at smoke nuisance from homes with fireplaces, and what the impact is. We do know how much particulate matter is in the air, but not what percentage from which sector contributes to this. For this we need calculation models, as well as an analysis. How are you going to tackle the problem in Haarlemmermeer in terms of prevention, protection of people who come into contact with it, and in terms of design of the environment. These are all questions we want to explore further.”
How further?
In addition to the analysis, we immediately look at how the emission of particulate matter in Haarlemmermeer can be reduced even further. The municipality has already started with measures for climate adaptation that appear to have a favorable effect. But planting more greenery also demonstrably improves air quality. Mariette Sedee: “It is expected that our municipality will come up with an analysis together with RIVM at the end of this year. Based on this outcome, we draw up a plan of action. For the implementation of that plan, we will certainly seek cooperation with everyone in Haarlemmermeer.”
More information
For more information, visit the Clean Air Agreement website.