The new www.wallonair.be website is now the reference for comprehensive information on air quality in Wallonia. It broadcasts real-time data measured by some twenty stations throughout the region, and can be used to issue alerts in the event of pollution peaks.
Still the main environmental threat to health, air pollution causes over 400,000 premature deaths every year in the European Union. In Belgium, the number of deaths caused by the three main air pollutants (fine particles, nitrogen oxide and ozone) is estimated at 11,000 a year.
In this context, the wallonair.be website provides citizens and scientists with continuous monitoring and an effective warning system in the event of ozone or smog (fine particles) peaks.
At the political level, this tool will enable us to verify the effectiveness of actions implemented to reduce air pollution (development of alternative mobility solutions to the car, reduction of energy expenditure in private and public buildings, etc.).
Real-time indices and forecasts
Wallonair.be is the fruit of collaboration between theInstitut Scientifique de Service Public (ISSeP) and theAgence Wallonne de l’Air et du Climat (AWAC). Using cards, it provides information on several parameters:
- real-time air quality indices based on live measurements and other parameters;
- forecasts up to 3 days ahead for a specific pollutant or for the overall air quality index.
The site offers an express version for a general overview of air quality, and a full version that details measured parameters station by station.
Note that the site also mentions the pollen index (data supplied by SCIENSANO’s AirAllergy network).
How are indices measured?
For each pollutant or family of air pollutants (fine particles, nitrogen oxide and ozone), there are two measurement procedures:
1. The real-time network or “alert network
The network of 24 stations across Wallonia measures and broadcasts real-time data on a dozen pollutants: fine particulates (PM10 and PM 2.5), nitrogen oxides (NO/NO2/NOx), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Black Carbon (or soot carbon – BC).
8 stations also measure 6 weather parameters: wind direction, wind speed, t°, rainfall, humidity and pressure).
In 2021, 350 sensors will also be installed in all Walloon municipalities, providing even more detailed measurements.
2. Off-line networks
Samples are taken in the field and subsequently analyzed in the laboratory.
How can I be alerted?
It is possible to receive peak pollution alerts by e-mail and/or SMS. All you have to do is create an account in the personal area of the site and check the appropriate boxes.