Air quality along Dutch roads in 2024 mostly met the European nitrogen dioxide emission standards. Near livestock farms, the calculated concentrations of fine particulate matter in 2024 exceeded the limit at eight locations in five municipalities. From 2030, stricter European air quality standards will be introduced to better protect health. The RIVM expects that with the current policies these standards will not be met in many places.
In 2024, air quality along roads almost everywhere complied with European nitrogen dioxide regulations. The nitrogen dioxide limit was exceeded once in 2024; in 2023, no exceedances were observed. At eight locations, the amount of fine particulate matter in the air was too high. These locations are in areas with intensive livestock farming. This is two more than in 2023.
RIVM annually checks if the Netherlands complies
The RIVM annually checks whether the amounts of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter in the air meet European air quality standards. This concerns nitrogen dioxide along roads and fine particulate matter near roads and livestock farms. If pollution is too high, authorities must adjust existing plans for their area or create new ones to improve air quality. Cleaner air is good for health.
Emissions of nitrogen dioxide decrease faster than expected
The RIVM expects emissions of nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter to decrease further in the coming years. For nitrogen dioxide, this decline is faster than expected, partly due to the anticipated increase in electric cars by 2030. However, harmful health effects may still occur.
More exceedances expected from 2030
As more is learned about the harmful effects of poor air quality on health, stricter European standards will be introduced in 2030. The RIVM expects that many places will not meet the standards for nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter.