From today, residents of IJmond are measuring the air quality themselves on the Tata Steel site in IJmuiden. With 4 sensors that continuously measure fine dust, they fill a blind spot in the Hollandse Luchten measurement network.

The measurement data can be followed live and is regularly discussed with experts, policymakers, and the company.

Measuring is knowing

Until now, measurement data from the Tata Steel site was missing in the Hollandse Luchten network. Thanks to the new sensors, residents now gain insight into the spread of fine dust (PM2.5) on and around the factory site. Gerard van Zelst, resident and participant in the project: Measuring is knowing. Now we as residents can see how the fine dust spreads on and around the Tata site.

The sensors are installed in cooperation with Tata Steel. It is the first time that residents within Hollandse Luchten are allowed to conduct measurements on this scale at a company site. The data is used to engage in dialogue with the company, experts such as the RIVM, and authorities.

Live data and open discussions

The measurement results can be followed live via:


The IJmond measurement group of Hollandse Luchten regularly discusses the results with residents, experts including the GGD, RIVM, and Waag Futurelab, and policymakers from the municipality and province. Officials also join to engage directly in discussions about cleaner air.

Difference with official measurements

The citizen science sensors provide a local picture of air quality but are not suitable for precise comparisons with legal standards or WHO health advice. For official measurements, Hollandse Luchten refers to the national air measurement network Opens an external link, which publishes annual reports on the provinces website.
The measurements of Hollandse Luchten are not under the supervision of the North Sea Canal Area Environmental Service (OD NZKG). More information and contact options are available at hollandseluchten.org Opens an external link.

Want to know more? For live measurement data and background information, visit the Hollandse Luchten website Hollandse Luchten Opens an external link or contact the IJmond measurement group Opens an external link.