Belgium meets European standard for particulate matter

Belgium this year met the European day limit for particulate matter at all measuring sites, the first time since 1997, according to data from IRCEL (Interregional Cell for the Environment). Flanders and Brussels already met the norm in 2014, and Wallonia joined them this year, writes De Morgen.

The positive results are due to a combination of environmental measures and good weather. "It is always difficult to estimate the proportion of the impact of the weather and the specific actions taken," says Frans Fierens of IRCEL. "But it is clear that both played a positive role this year."

Belgium has systematically introduced environmental measures in recent years with an aim to reduce the amount of fine dust, such as mandatory particle filters on diesel vehicles, increasingly stringent standards for heaters, and cleaner production in industrial and agricultural activities.