The RIVM expects that air quality will be poor to very poor in some areas during Easter. This applies to areas where Easter bonfires are lit and where they have not been canceled. For the upcoming weekend, an eastern wind is expected with little wind in the evenings and limited mixing with higher air layers. As a result, the smoke may linger and these weather conditions may cause nuisance in other parts of the Netherlands. During the day on Sunday and Monday, air quality is expected to improve due to increasing winds and predicted showers.
Traditionally, in the Netherlands, most Easter bonfires are lit on the evening of Easter Sunday. Therefore, air quality in the vicinity of Easter bonfires is expected to be temporarily poor on Sunday evening. The high concentrations of fine particulate matter that occur due to the Easter bonfires can cause health complaints. We advise people who are sensitive to smog to stay indoors and to limit heavy physical exertion.
In the Netherlands, people may experience nuisance from Easter bonfires that are already lit in Germany on Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19, because an eastern wind is expected. The extent to which nuisance from smell, smoke, and dust is experienced depends, among other things, on wind direction, wind speed, and distance from the Easter bonfires.
Respiratory Complaints
A high concentration of fine particulate matter in the air from wood burning can, along with other pollutants in the air, lead to reduced lung function. A disease like asthma can worsen as a result. Respiratory complaints such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath may also increase. Especially people with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (chronic bronchitis or emphysema) (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (chronic bronchitis or emphysema)) (chronic bronchitis or emphysema), and (older) people with cardiovascular diseases may be affected. They can prevent or reduce complaints by staying indoors during the period when the Easter bonfires are lit and not overexerting themselves. In some cases, medication – in consultation with a doctor – may be adjusted. People with complaints can contact their general practitioner or the GGD (external link).
Check the Air Quality
On Luchtmeetnet.nl (external link), air quality in the Netherlands can be viewed. Measurement data has been collected from various government agencies. The website is an initiative of the RIVM, GGD Municipal Health Service (Municipal Health Service) Amsterdam, DCMR Environmental Service Rijnmond (Environmental Service Rijnmond) Environmental Service Rijnmond, province of Limburg, Environmental Service Midden- and West-Brabant, and Environmental Service Regio Arnhem.
Measuring Together
This year, people across the Netherlands will also measure air quality in their living environment during Easter. They will share the results of their measurements via the Samen Meten dataportaal (external link). The measurement points provide a good additional picture of air quality above the Netherlands.