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Air quality measurements in the Netherlands 2019

RIVM Annual report
Version 1

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Authors
Affiliation

Pleuni Bongers

National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)

Dennis Mooibroek

Published

July 28, 2025

1 Air quality monitoring network in the Netherlands

Air quality in the Netherlands is monitored by the National Air Quality Monitoring Network (LML), which is administered by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in collaboration with its regional partners. The resulting data provide a detailed picture of air quality and the concentrations of the various pollutants at the monitoring stations.

This annual report gives an overview of the key measurement values for specific pollutants in 2019 from measurements by RIVM and two of its regional partners DCMR Environmental Protection Agency (DCMR) and The Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam). Measurements are carried out under EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by RIVM under L224 in collaboration with its regional partners DCMR (L520) and GGD Amsterdam (L426) who are accredited according to the same ISO standard. Analysis of heavy metals is outsourced to an external analytical laboratory that is accredited according to EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 under L026. See Appendix A for an overview of all the accreditation certificate numbers for the measurements in this report. Appendix A also includes an overview of ambient air quality limit values. Besides the current limit values from the 2008/50/EC and 2004/107/EC directives, this report will take into account the revised EU directive (2024/2881) on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe and, in some occasions, the Air Quality Guideline (AQG) levels from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported in 2021.

The air quality monitoring sites have specific encoding for EU reporting, where all sites in the Netherlands start with NL, followed by 10 for RIVM sites (L224), 01 for DCMR measurement sites (L520) and 49 for sites from GGD Amsterdam (L426). The remaining 3 numbers denote the unique monitoring site. For information on the used monitoring instruments and sampling practices, see the metadata on the LML data catalog on the public RIVM website. For additional information including measurement uncertainties, please consult the accompanying README.

2 Key concentration values per component

The upcoming tables contain the key statistics per component for 2019, where mean is the yearly averaged concentration - based on either hourly or daily (24-h) values, P50 and P98 denote the 50th and 98th percentile, max is the maximum measured concentration value, n is the number of valid data points in hours or days, % is the percentage of valid data, max.roll.24 denotes the maximum value of the rolling 24-h mean and max.roll.8 of the 8-h mean. All of these values are in µg/m³ unless otherwise specified and with the exception of values for lead, arsenic, cadmium, nickel and benzo(a)pyrene, which are in ng/m3. Columns that are colored in red indicate an exceedance of the EU limit values from 2008/50/EC or 2004/107/EC, orange represents an exceedance of the revised EU limit values from EU Directive 2024/2881. For several pollutants, additional columns have been added relating to component-specific target values. The summary tables where the annual means have been grouped by site type, only contain yearly averages where data capture meets EU requirements.

2.1 Nitrogen dioxide

Key statistics for NO2 in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n % exc_2002 max.roll.24 max.roll.8
Rural Background
NL10107 15.2 12.1 44.6 72.9 12.1 8661 98.9 0 44.6 54.9
NL10131 15.8 12.1 47.2 94.7 12.1 8715 99.5 0 56.3 67.4
NL10133 11.7 9.4 35.0 64.5 9.4 8713 99.5 0 38.8 52.1
NL10230 20.9 14.7 78.5 343.2 14.7 8524 97.3 9 96.8 191.7
NL10235 15.5 12.8 47.6 78.8 12.8 8736 99.7 0 52.6 57.1
NL10246 17.0 13.0 53.7 72.7 13.0 8408 96.0 0 59.9 68.4
NL10301 13.9 10.0 52.0 93.1 10.0 8694 99.2 0 62.1 70.7
NL10318 15.0 10.5 50.7 89.3 10.5 8678 99.1 0 57.0 73.6
NL10437 17.1 13.7 51.7 75.2 13.7 8445 96.4 0 56.5 67.0
NL10444 14.4 10.2 52.0 76.5 10.2 8718 99.5 0 59.0 65.9
NL10538 14.1 8.6 61.5 137.7 8.6 8686 99.2 0 69.5 97.9
NL10617 11.8 8.9 41.9 65.3 8.9 8680 99.1 0 52.6 59.8
NL10633 14.5 11.0 47.4 69.4 11.0 8574 97.9 0 54.4 64.3
NL10644 15.8 12.4 49.0 76.4 12.4 8697 99.3 0 61.3 68.4
NL10722 13.8 11.4 39.1 71.0 11.4 8695 99.3 0 56.4 64.7
NL10738 13.7 11.0 41.9 64.6 11.0 8735 99.7 0 52.9 61.1
NL10807 11.3 8.8 36.5 61.1 8.8 8663 98.9 0 49.8 58.3
NL10818 10.7 7.9 39.1 72.4 7.9 8615 98.3 0 49.8 58.3
NL10918 10.1 7.4 38.6 66.1 7.4 8691 99.2 0 47.7 59.9
NL10929 10.4 8.0 34.1 57.6 8.0 8438 96.3 0 45.9 55.2
NL10934 8.1 5.9 32.0 59.6 5.9 8564 97.8 0 45.0 54.9
NL49703 18.8 14.1 60.9 106.5 14.1 8719 99.5 0 68.6 77.5
Urban Background
NL01485 24.1 20.1 66.3 102.6 20.1 8634 98.6 0 69.4 82.6
NL01488 24.1 19.7 66.9 95.3 19.7 8725 99.6 0 70.9 79.4
NL01494 28.6 24.6 73.5 121.1 24.6 8652 98.8 0 82.8 91.2
NL01495 27.8 24.8 71.1 149.6 24.8 8562 97.7 0 89.9 102.2
NL01912 26.5 20.8 91.9 183.2 20.8 8747 99.9 0 125.0 146.1
NL10138 14.8 11.3 46.6 73.1 11.3 8516 97.2 0 50.9 57.8
NL10241 21.6 17.1 63.5 122.3 17.1 8742 99.8 0 65.5 80.4
NL10247 16.9 12.8 52.1 82.6 12.8 8715 99.5 0 57.0 74.8
NL10404 22.3 16.7 71.6 163.4 16.7 8727 99.6 0 80.8 120.1
NL10418 28.5 24.5 73.5 113.6 24.5 8733 99.7 0 78.3 84.7
NL10442 20.7 16.5 60.3 111.2 16.5 8580 97.9 0 63.4 79.2
NL10446 24.2 19.3 69.8 164.2 19.3 8542 97.5 0 87.4 102.0
NL10643 18.9 14.9 57.8 96.9 14.9 8657 98.8 0 62.4 76.7
NL10742 19.8 15.8 56.5 96.6 15.8 8626 98.5 0 66.8 76.8
NL10938 10.7 7.6 41.1 79.4 7.6 8021 91.6 0 52.4 69.4
NL49003 19.6 15.6 61.7 90.0 15.6 8482 96.8 0 72.4 80.0
NL49014 21.9 17.7 63.3 106.6 17.7 8737 99.7 0 68.3 83.5
NL49019 25.3 20.9 71.8 109.9 20.9 8432 96.3 0 80.2 91.7
NL49021 18.7 14.7 56.1 99.3 14.7 8547 97.6 0 68.2 79.2
NL49022 18.8 14.2 62.5 116.2 14.2 8620 98.4 0 69.8 77.9
NL49701 21.3 15.5 68.8 114.3 15.5 8608 98.3 0 75.7 83.8
Roadside
NL01487 35.3 32.3 80.0 118.0 32.3 8564 97.8 0 81.5 92.6
NL01489 31.0 27.8 77.9 135.4 27.8 8716 99.5 0 78.4 113.0
NL01491 30.3 26.7 74.3 133.9 26.7 8391 95.8 0 76.6 98.8
NL01493 38.6 35.3 87.1 165.0 35.3 8733 99.7 0 88.2 121.6
NL01908 30.2 26.7 73.2 124.3 26.7 8709 99.4 0 72.6 95.2
NL10136 23.5 19.7 67.3 120.0 19.7 8746 99.8 0 70.8 88.2
NL10236 22.2 18.4 60.2 104.2 18.4 8729 99.6 0 63.5 79.7
NL10237 26.0 22.6 67.5 114.6 22.6 8743 99.8 0 70.3 89.2
NL10240 29.5 25.7 76.0 144.1 25.7 8725 99.6 0 78.2 102.3
NL10445 29.9 25.7 77.0 178.6 25.7 8721 99.6 0 84.8 128.0
NL10449 28.7 25.2 70.7 112.4 25.2 6648 75.9 0 70.2 90.1
NL10550 23.4 19.7 64.2 121.8 19.7 8596 98.1 0 78.4 88.9
NL10636 22.8 19.0 63.1 101.3 19.0 8426 96.2 0 78.6 80.1
NL10639 27.1 23.0 70.7 137.5 23.0 8703 99.3 0 75.6 92.9
NL10641 25.6 22.7 63.5 102.0 22.7 8733 99.7 0 69.0 82.3
NL10741 29.0 26.0 71.9 160.9 26.0 8638 98.6 0 82.3 96.9
NL10937 24.2 21.3 59.9 120.0 21.3 8693 99.2 0 71.6 82.7
NL49002 37.3 34.2 86.0 157.5 34.2 8678 99.1 0 88.3 106.8
NL49007 41.0 37.7 95.9 156.7 37.7 8500 97.0 0 101.0 119.1
NL49012 36.5 31.8 88.2 158.1 31.8 8675 99.0 0 97.8 111.7
NL49017 31.6 28.1 76.5 120.8 28.1 8605 98.2 0 91.6 98.8
NL49020 36.9 32.7 88.8 184.5 32.7 8674 99.0 0 99.7 115.7
Industrial
NL01496 26.5 23.3 77.0 149.6 23.3 8695 99.3 0 103.3 111.5
NL49704 25.4 20.4 73.7 147.0 20.4 8516 97.2 0 81.1 96.5
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 85%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the future EU limit value from 01-01-2030 (2024/2881/EC)
and red of the current EU limit value (2008/50/EC)
2 Number of hours where concentrations exceed 200 µg/m³
- Color indicates exceedance of > 3 times (orange) or > 18 times (red) per calendar year
Table 1: Key concentration values for nitrogen dioxide in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Annual NO2 means per station type in 2019
type mean n
Rural Background 14.07 22
Urban Background 21.68 21
Roadside 30.09 21
Industrial 25.93 2
Table 2: Summary table for nitrogen dioxide in 2019 (in μg/m3)

2.2 Particulate matter

Key statistics for PM10 in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n % max.roll.24 max.roll.8 exc_50_d2
Rural Background
NL10131 18.1 15.9 59.5 210.5 15.9 8713 99.5 84.4 88.3 5
NL10133 15.2 13.4 46.7 306.5 13.4 8739 99.8 80.9 98.7 2
NL10230 18.8 15.9 56.9 231.0 15.9 8688 99.2 73.3 105.6 2
NL10235 16.5 14.7 46.7 175.9 14.7 8660 98.9 163.2 144.9 1
NL10246 16.8 14.7 53.1 301.4 14.7 8686 99.2 188.8 148.1 3
NL10318 17.6 14.7 59.5 205.4 14.7 8721 99.6 91.8 112.1 6
NL10437 16.7 14.7 51.8 120.9 14.7 8712 99.5 72.3 95.8 1
NL10444 16.4 14.7 46.7 254.0 14.7 8697 99.3 60.7 106.0 2
NL10538 16.0 13.4 53.1 135.0 13.4 8520 97.3 62.6 96.1 2
NL10617 16.1 14.7 54.4 274.5 14.7 8674 99.0 119.6 110.8 2
NL10633 15.6 13.4 51.8 242.5 13.4 8567 97.8 168.9 100.8 1
NL10644 15.3 13.4 48.0 389.7 13.4 8718 99.5 309.1 142.9 0
NL10722 15.9 14.7 48.0 132.4 14.7 8697 99.3 81.0 80.6 2
NL10738 17.8 15.9 55.6 252.8 15.9 8561 97.7 142.9 137.2 4
NL10807 16.0 13.4 50.5 233.6 13.4 8653 98.8 93.3 100.3 3
NL10818 16.2 13.4 55.6 243.8 13.4 8721 99.6 79.2 136.1 6
NL10918 14.2 12.1 51.8 330.8 12.1 8600 98.2 64.8 90.0 3
NL10929 15.9 12.1 55.6 794.2 12.1 8430 96.2 114.9 254.8 5
NL10934 17.4 14.7 59.5 292.4 14.7 8487 96.9 77.8 99.2 5
NL49703 15.9 13.0 46.4 130.8 13.0 8599 98.2 130.8 94.8 1
Urban Background
NL01485 19.4 16.8 51.0 220.0 16.8 7744 88.4 220.0 84.9 2
NL01488 20.2 17.9 51.3 994.9 17.9 8427 96.2 994.9 194.2 4
NL01494 21.1 18.5 55.7 834.0 18.5 8511 97.2 834.0 175.5 5
NL01495 20.8 17.6 62.8 320.0 17.6 8412 96.0 67.8 99.7 9
NL01912 21.3 18.7 53.2 534.1 18.7 8695 99.3 371.7 128.7 2
NL10138 15.8 13.4 48.0 442.2 13.4 8739 99.8 442.2 114.0 2
NL10241 20.0 17.2 56.9 342.4 17.2 8698 99.3 289.9 131.8 6
NL10247 18.5 15.9 54.4 283.5 15.9 8719 99.5 283.5 109.7 3
NL10404 19.0 17.2 51.8 905.5 17.2 8583 98.0 905.5 192.8 4
NL10418 19.2 17.2 56.9 368.0 17.2 8678 99.1 368.0 103.8 6
NL10442 17.2 15.9 45.4 408.9 15.9 7826 89.3 408.9 115.8 0
NL10446 17.3 15.9 49.2 542.0 15.9 8731 99.7 542.0 207.8 2
NL49014 17.7 15.4 46.8 425.9 15.4 8579 97.9 425.9 105.5 3
NL49016 20.3 18.0 52.9 145.1 18.0 8665 98.9 77.1 110.1 4
NL49701 18.3 15.7 48.9 397.3 15.7 8713 99.5 397.3 131.7 3
Roadside
NL01487 21.5 19.2 52.1 489.5 19.2 8290 94.6 489.5 114.6 4
NL01489 20.2 17.7 52.6 335.3 17.7 8496 97.0 308.5 120.3 2
NL01491 19.0 16.7 50.5 304.0 16.7 8440 96.3 304.0 89.3 2
NL01493 22.4 19.7 58.4 361.0 19.7 8707 99.4 361.0 95.0 8
NL01908 20.6 17.5 56.3 252.3 17.5 8637 98.6 252.3 84.4 3
NL10136 18.1 14.7 56.9 364.1 14.7 8686 99.2 164.4 124.1 4
NL10236 18.6 15.9 54.4 261.7 15.9 8669 99.0 261.7 112.9 3
NL10237 20.9 18.5 58.2 604.8 18.5 8640 98.6 604.8 132.6 3
NL10240 19.6 17.2 55.6 698.2 17.2 8740 99.8 698.2 177.0 3
NL10445 22.4 19.8 62.0 576.6 19.8 8619 98.4 576.6 129.2 7
NL10449 19.3 17.2 55.6 547.1 17.2 6571 75.0 103.8 245.4 4
NL10550 18.0 15.9 50.5 289.9 15.9 8713 99.5 289.9 141.6 2
NL10636 17.9 15.9 49.2 1252.4 15.9 8719 99.5 1252.4 327.6 4
NL10639 19.2 17.2 55.6 383.3 17.2 8685 99.1 274.5 154.0 4
NL10641 17.7 15.9 54.4 228.4 15.9 8669 99.0 143.9 96.0 3
NL10741 20.8 18.5 58.2 819.8 18.5 8713 99.5 819.8 257.9 4
NL10937 22.2 19.8 64.6 618.8 19.8 8688 99.2 618.8 192.1 12
NL49007 20.7 18.1 55.0 410.4 18.1 8489 96.9 410.4 110.1 6
NL49012 21.5 19.0 54.9 428.5 19.0 8586 98.0 428.5 105.9 6
NL49017 19.4 17.2 50.2 536.9 17.2 8642 98.7 536.9 117.8 2
NL49020 19.7 17.4 51.8 277.6 17.4 8617 98.4 277.6 102.9 4
Industrial
NL01496 21.3 18.9 54.6 139.0 18.9 8601 98.2 64.1 104.1 6
NL49704 18.3 14.9 53.1 231.7 14.9 8699 99.3 65.7 96.9 4
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 85%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the future EU limit value from 01-01-2030 (2024/2881/EC)
and red of the current EU limit value (2008/50/EC)
2 Number of days where concentrations exceed 50 µg/m³
- Red color indicates exceedance of > 35 times per calendar year
Table 3: Key concentration values for PM10 in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Annual PM10 means per station type in 2019
type mean n
Rural Background 16.42 20
Urban Background 19.20 13
Roadside 20.03 20
Industrial 19.81 2
Table 4: Summary table for PM10 in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Key statistics for PM2.5 in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n % max.roll.24 max.roll.8
Rural Background
NL10131 12.1 9.3 39.1 92.4 9.3 8715 99.5 57.8 65.3
NL10230 10.9 7.6 41.0 108.7 7.6 8622 98.4 53.7 85.6
NL10444 8.9 6.5 33.3 174.2 6.5 8603 98.2 50.8 77.0
NL10538 8.5 5.8 36.2 115.2 5.8 8173 93.3 50.8 85.4
NL10644 9.5 6.7 36.4 262.7 6.7 8542 97.5 211.1 95.3
NL10738 11.1 7.8 40.5 187.1 7.8 8665 98.9 93.1 115.6
NL10934 8.4 5.4 38.0 70.7 5.4 8602 98.2 62.7 67.9
NL49703 11.9 9.1 40.8 128.0 9.1 8459 96.6 125.6 92.6
Urban Background
NL01488 11.6 8.3 41.7 1034.3 8.3 8485 96.9 1034.3 195.8
NL01494 12.7 9.3 42.1 801.2 9.3 8642 98.7 801.2 163.1
NL01495 12.2 9.2 42.7 90.2 9.2 8337 95.2 55.2 75.7
NL10138 8.5 6.0 35.7 275.9 6.0 8513 97.2 275.9 76.7
NL10241 9.1 6.1 36.5 189.2 6.1 8342 95.2 164.4 74.9
NL10247 11.9 9.3 39.8 168.5 9.3 8481 96.8 168.5 83.2
NL10404 8.6 5.3 38.6 591.4 5.3 8445 96.4 591.4 124.0
NL10418 9.5 6.5 36.8 230.5 6.5 8698 99.3 230.5 63.0
NL10643 10.5 7.5 37.8 531.2 7.5 8686 99.2 531.2 168.6
NL10742 10.5 7.6 39.7 491.0 7.6 8694 99.2 491.0 160.7
NL10821 8.9 6.1 37.5 493.5 6.1 8559 97.7 493.5 132.9
NL10938 8.7 5.7 38.8 744.0 5.7 8031 91.7 744.0 192.5
NL49014 10.4 7.6 37.8 419.0 7.6 8593 98.1 419.0 99.1
NL49016 12.5 9.5 44.5 142.2 9.5 8585 98.0 64.4 110.1
NL49701 11.1 8.1 41.9 366.2 8.1 8620 98.4 366.2 120.1
Roadside
NL01487 14.7 11.2 45.8 517.3 11.2 8467 96.7 517.3 114.3
NL01489 12.0 8.7 43.6 330.2 8.7 8529 97.4 297.1 113.0
NL01491 13.2 10.1 42.0 300.1 10.1 8380 95.7 300.1 85.0
NL10136 9.9 7.3 37.2 110.8 7.3 8672 99.0 110.8 83.2
NL10240 10.5 7.4 38.7 458.1 7.4 8673 99.0 458.1 115.1
NL10448 11.1 7.9 39.8 343.2 7.9 8524 97.3 343.2 76.7
NL10449 10.5 8.1 33.2 500.8 8.1 6255 71.4 81.6 187.6
NL10636 11.4 8.3 39.8 889.3 8.3 8496 97.0 889.3 227.6
NL10641 9.8 6.9 37.1 111.1 6.9 8673 99.0 87.5 89.1
NL10741 11.0 8.3 38.8 541.0 8.3 8634 98.6 541.0 173.6
NL10937 8.6 5.5 38.9 311.7 5.5 8508 97.1 311.7 123.0
NL49007 10.1 6.9 41.2 378.6 6.9 8374 95.6 378.6 95.0
NL49012 12.6 9.3 43.3 358.8 9.3 8292 94.7 358.8 95.0
NL49017 10.1 7.2 38.2 508.8 7.2 8647 98.7 508.8 104.8
Industrial
NL01496 11.2 8.3 42.0 86.2 8.3 8456 96.5 54.5 66.0
NL49704 12.4 9.5 41.7 125.0 9.5 8697 99.3 58.3 87.2
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 85%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the future EU limit value from 01-01-2030 (2024/2881/EC)
and red of the current EU limit value (2008/50/EC)
Table 5: Key concentration values for PM2.5 in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Annual PM2.5 means per station type in 2019
type mean n
Rural Background 10.15 8
Urban Background 10.45 15
Roadside 11.17 13
Industrial 11.82 2
Table 6: Summary table for PM2.5 in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Statistics to determine the AEI for PM2.5
2017 2018 2019 average_3y
Urban Background
NL01494 12.6 13.7 12.8 13.0
NL10138 10.0 10.0 8.5 9.5
NL10241 11.5 12.7 9.1 11.1
NL10247 12.2 12.9 11.9 12.3
NL10404 10.2 10.2 8.6 9.7
NL10418 10.3 11.0 9.5 10.3
NL10643 10.8 11.5 10.5 10.9
NL10742 11.6 12.0 10.6 11.4
NL10821 10.2 10.3 8.9 9.8
NL10938 9.6 10.7 8.5 9.6
NL49014 10.1 10.8 10.4 10.4
NL49701 11.8 12.8 11.2 11.9
* A hyphen is used in case of insufficient valid data to provide an annual mean
Table 7: Annual means for PM2.5 (in μg/m3) on selected urban background sites and the 3-year average to determine the Average Exposure Indicator (AEI)

The Average Exposure Indicator (AEI) for PM2.5 assesses the general population’s long-term exposure to fine particles in urban areas and is based on a 3-year average measured at urban background stations. The AEI in year 2019 is 10.8 µg/m³.

2.3 Sulphur dioxide

Key statistics for SO2 in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n % exc_350_h2 max.roll.24 max.roll.8 exc_125_d3 mean_winter4
Rural Background
NL10133 0.5 0.3 3.4 14.6 0.3 8621 98.4 0 5.0 8.7 0 0.4
NL10318 0.7 0.3 4.0 28.1 0.3 8623 98.4 0 5.4 11.8 0 0.4
NL10444 0.7 0.4 3.4 21.6 0.4 8652 98.8 0 4.4 6.7 0 0.6
NL10644 0.7 0.4 3.6 19.7 0.4 8683 99.1 0 6.4 7.2 0 0.5
NL10722 0.6 0.3 4.4 33.8 0.3 8630 98.5 0 9.2 19.2 0 0.5
NL10934 0.4 0.2 2.2 8.2 0.2 8505 97.1 0 2.7 4.0 0 0.3
Urban Background
NL01485 2.5 1.2 16.2 92.3 1.2 8616 98.4 0 38.8 76.5 0 1.9
NL01495 1.4 0.7 11.0 154.7 0.7 8575 97.9 0 28.4 59.4 0 1.2
NL49016 0.6 0.4 3.3 16.4 0.4 8694 99.2 0 5.4 10.1 0 0.4
Industrial
NL01484 4.5 2.6 22.9 197.4 2.6 8673 99.0 0 47.2 116.1 0 5.2
NL01496 1.7 1.2 8.4 70.6 1.2 8735 99.7 0 11.5 21.1 0 1.9
NL49704 0.8 0.4 5.7 29.9 0.4 8711 99.4 0 9.6 15.8 0 0.5
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 85%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the yearly limit value of 20 µg/m³ (2024/2881/EC)
2 Number of hours where concentrations exceed 350 µg/m³
- Color indicates exceedance of > 3 times (orange) or > 24 times (red) per calendar year
3 Number of days where concentrations exceed 125 µg/m³
- Red color indicates exceedance of > 3 times per calendar year
4 Mean concentrations in winter (1 October 2019 to 31 March 2020)
for assessing the critical level for the protection of vegetation and natural ecosystems
- Red color indicates exceedance of 20 µg/m³
Table 8: Key concentration values for sulphur dioxide in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Annual SO2 means per station type in 2019
type mean n
Rural Background 0.60 6
Urban Background 1.50 3
Industrial 2.35 3
Table 9: Summary table for sulphur dioxide in 2019 (in μg/m3)

2.4 Ozone

For ozone, there is no limit value based on the annual mean, instead the number of days where the maximum daily rolling 8-h mean of ozone concentrations exceed 120 µg/m³ is assessed. For the long-term objective, this may not be exceeded on any day. The target value for the protection of human health takes into account data that is averaged over three years. Until 1 January 2030, 120 µg/m³ may not be exceeded on more than 25 days per calendar year averaged over three years and thereafter, it’s set to a maximum of 18 days. See Table 12 for the number of exceedance days in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and their 3-year averages.

The ‘Accumulated Ozone exposure over a Threshold of 40 parts per billion’ (AOT40), expressed in (µg/m³) × hours, means the sum of the difference between hourly concentrations greater than 80 µg/m³ (= 40 parts per billion) and 80 µg/m³ over a given period using only the 1-hour values measured between 8:00 and 20:00 Central European Time (CET) each day (EU Directive 2024/2881). The target value for AOT40 is 18000 µg/m³ x h averaged over 5 years. Note that the aot40 values in the table are only for the year 2019 and based on measurements from May up to and including July.

Another widely used ozone indicator for health impact assessment recommended by WHO called somo35 is given in the table. This represents the sum of all daily maximum 8 hour moving averages over 35 ppb - equivalent to 70 µg/m³.

Key statistics for O3 in 2019
mean P50 P98 max median n % max.roll.24 max.roll.8 exc_1201 aot402 somo353
Rural Background
NL10107 46.1 46.2 117.7 196.1 46.2 8646 98.7 114.9 172.3 18 10297.0 3086.1
NL10131 44.7 44.5 114.7 254.8 44.5 8641 98.6 139.8 222.4 16 9727.4 2914.1
NL10230 46.5 45.3 118.5 261.2 45.3 8644 98.7 141.6 208.7 20 11606.8 3487.2
NL10235 48.9 47.6 121.8 214.4 47.6 8566 97.8 149.6 197.7 18 12546.5 4175.3
NL10301 54.0 55.2 109.1 279.0 55.2 8507 97.1 152.8 216.0 17 9190.0 3565.0
NL10318 43.4 42.1 116.2 216.5 42.1 5461 62.3 141.6 177.3 12 5323.8 2283.8
NL10437 45.7 45.8 105.4 242.1 45.8 8579 97.9 156.7 215.1 13 6846.1 2357.2
NL10444 53.1 55.7 114.2 203.1 55.7 8630 98.5 148.8 187.5 19 9081.7 3639.0
NL10538 55.9 57.1 113.8 209.2 57.1 8577 97.9 148.3 190.9 17 9710.6 3777.5
NL10617 50.1 49.5 110.2 210.4 49.5 8618 98.4 139.3 193.1 15 8992.2 3039.9
NL10633 48.1 47.2 114.8 201.7 47.2 8520 97.3 160.1 189.2 16 8887.9 3113.5
NL10644 48.0 46.7 119.0 257.9 46.7 8628 98.5 176.6 241.8 17 11690.0 3707.7
NL10722 47.0 43.3 125.2 230.5 43.3 8627 98.5 152.2 220.2 23 13871.5 3761.9
NL10738 47.3 46.7 119.6 218.0 46.7 8619 98.4 152.1 204.6 19 10808.0 3431.1
NL10807 48.5 46.8 121.9 215.3 46.8 8601 98.2 139.1 202.4 20 11245.3 3491.2
NL10818 52.5 52.6 115.5 226.0 52.6 6884 78.6 150.0 205.7 11 9523.9 3618.0
NL10918 53.5 54.2 112.1 201.7 54.2 8497 97.0 139.6 182.7 15 8548.4 3165.4
NL10929 49.9 48.1 118.8 229.2 48.1 8461 96.6 133.2 201.0 17 9966.6 3570.2
NL10934 49.5 50.4 95.8 188.2 50.4 7884 90.0 133.5 166.6 8 3222.4 1821.0
Urban Background
NL01485 44.6 45.0 108.6 233.5 45.0 8670 99.0 156.3 215.8 16 7342.4 2539.4
NL01494 42.6 42.5 106.6 248.1 42.5 8729 99.6 153.1 219.2 16 6905.8 2467.1
NL01495 43.3 41.9 108.6 249.2 41.9 8693 99.2 151.8 217.7 16 6768.2 2548.4
NL101334 46.8 46.7 118.5 248.2 46.7 8652 98.8 114.8 188.3 19 11856.6 3387.7
NL10138 51.9 52.0 126.5 243.8 52.0 8555 97.7 139.3 185.8 22 14343.0 4216.5
NL10241 42.9 42.4 105.6 221.6 42.4 8592 98.1 145.0 190.7 12 6829.9 2170.4
NL102474 46.0 46.4 113.2 238.1 46.4 8640 98.6 142.8 195.7 14 9070.1 2746.5
NL10404 45.9 48.3 100.8 230.4 48.3 8641 98.6 154.6 207.5 13 4668.7 1923.4
NL10418 44.5 43.9 113.0 241.7 43.9 8647 98.7 157.3 209.7 17 8055.2 2829.9
NL10442 46.0 46.1 113.3 241.5 46.1 8600 98.2 161.0 219.7 16 9120.4 2932.1
NL10446 46.6 47.9 111.1 237.2 47.9 8638 98.6 162.3 214.1 17 7552.6 2824.8
NL10643 46.8 45.6 119.1 246.1 45.6 8546 97.6 165.2 216.3 17 10400.9 3430.4
NL10742 47.9 46.7 118.7 276.0 46.7 8545 97.5 159.6 239.5 19 11545.6 3333.0
NL109384 54.9 55.0 119.0 205.4 55.0 8631 98.5 150.3 184.9 16 9901.8 3885.0
NL49003 48.9 49.4 111.9 207.0 49.4 8739 99.8 142.0 181.9 16 7655.9 2907.7
NL49014 47.7 47.3 117.6 215.9 47.3 8733 99.7 147.7 188.0 17 8824.2 3164.4
Roadside
NL01489 37.4 36.0 103.3 229.5 36.0 8734 99.7 152.1 205.6 13 5390.7 2011.1
NL01493 38.3 37.8 100.5 208.3 37.8 8723 99.6 142.4 184.6 12 4283.3 1825.1
NL10236 46.9 46.3 117.7 237.0 46.3 8589 98.0 150.3 213.9 19 9839.3 3233.3
NL10449 42.0 40.0 122.7 256.5 40.0 6584 75.2 156.4 226.6 17 7218.7 3154.7
NL10550 47.1 49.2 104.2 201.0 49.2 8645 98.7 138.0 172.7 15 5649.2 2360.8
NL10636 36.6 33.8 115.6 215.8 33.8 6115 69.8 151.2 189.5 12 5676.3 2156.9
NL10639 43.6 42.5 111.8 209.2 42.5 8559 97.7 151.3 196.6 15 7856.7 2868.7
NL10641 41.1 39.5 105.5 218.6 39.5 8649 98.7 136.7 171.6 16 6407.6 2145.1
NL49012 34.8 33.2 88.2 181.3 33.2 5577 63.7 130.5 152.2 6 2248.1 1009.8
Industrial
NL01496 49.3 49.2 112.1 256.1 49.2 8662 98.9 161.7 224.0 16 8094.6 3286.2
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 85%
1 Number of days where the maximum daily rolling 8-h mean of ozone concentrations exceed 120 µg/m³
- Orange color indicates exceedance of > 18 times per calendar year
2 Accumulated amount of Ozone over the Threshold value of 40 ppb (May - July), related to vegetation [µg/m³ h]
- Blue color indicates exceedance of 18000 [µg/m³ h]
3 Sum of max. 8 hour moving averages > 35 ppb or 70 [µg/m³ d] (WHO)
4 These sites are considered suburban background sites under the ozone directive
Table 10: Key concentration values for ozone in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Annual O3 means per station type in 2019
type mean n
Rural Background 49.23 17
Urban Background 46.71 16
Roadside 42.39 6
Industrial 49.31 1
Table 11: Summary table for ozone in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Number of exceedance days for O3
2017 2018 2019 average_3y1
Rural Background
NL10107 12 27 18 19
NL10131 14 33 16 21
NL10230 10 13 20 14
NL10235 9 20 18 16
NL10301 8 11 17 12
NL10318 6 10 - 8
NL10437 4 13 13 10
NL10444 5 16 19 13
NL10538 3 12 17 11
NL10617 6 16 15 12
NL10633 3 - 16 10
NL10644 8 12 17 12
NL10722 8 22 23 18
NL10738 11 9 19 13
NL10807 10 22 20 17
NL10818 10 30 - 20
NL10918 1 13 15 10
NL10929 6 27 17 17
NL10934 3 6 - 4
Urban Background
NL01485 2 6 16 8
NL01494 5 6 16 9
NL01495 0 13 16 10
NL10133 9 - 19 14
NL10138 17 40 22 26
NL10241 10 37 12 20
NL10247 12 43 14 23
NL10404 3 7 13 8
NL10418 3 15 17 12
NL10442 7 18 16 14
NL10446 6 16 17 13
NL10643 5 17 17 13
NL10742 13 23 19 18
NL10938 4 14 16 11
NL49003 1 15 16 11
NL49014 6 21 17 15
Roadside
NL01489 2 6 13 7
NL01493 0 6 12 6
NL10236 10 12 19 14
NL10433 3 - - 3
NL10550 0 7 15 7
NL10636 1 4 - 2
NL10639 3 17 15 12
NL10641 1 4 16 7
NL49012 0 10 - 5
Industrial
NL01496 1 6 16 8
* A hyphen is used in case of insufficient valid data to provide an annual mean
1 Number of days averaged over 3 years where the maximum daily rolling 8-h mean of ozone concentrations exceed 120 µg/m³
- Orange color indicates exceedance of > 18 times per calendar year and red of > 25 times per calendar year
Table 12: Number of days where the maximum daily rolling 8-h mean of ozone concentrations exceed 120 µg/m³ in 2017, 2018 and 2019

2.5 Carbon monoxide

Key statistics for CO in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n % max.roll.24 max.roll.8 exc_100002
Rural Background
NL10644 212.8 193.6 426.1 1025.9 193.6 8432 96.3 549.9 669.0 0
Urban Background
NL10742 262.2 238.7 589.6 1985.8 238.7 5483 62.6 774.4 1025.5 0
NL49014 321.6 305.5 582.2 1985.8 305.5 8688 99.2 800.8 995.1 0
Roadside
NL10741 333.1 294.6 811.6 2867.1 294.6 8748 99.9 1132.3 1775.8 0
NL49007 360.5 322.0 761.9 2024.4 322.0 8489 96.9 1066.9 1421.8 0
NL49012 396.5 364.1 779.1 2097.1 364.1 8691 99.2 1072.8 1291.1 0
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 85%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the future EU limit value from 01-01-2030 (2024/2881/EC)
and red of the current EU limit value (2008/50/EC)
2 Number of days where the maximum daily 8 hour mean concentrations exceed 10000 µg/m³
- Red color indicates an exceedance of at least 1 time per calendar year
Table 13: Key concentration values for carbon monoxide in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Annual CO means per station type in 2019
type mean n
Rural Background 212.80 1
Urban Background 321.58 1
Roadside 363.35 3
Table 14: Summary table for carbon monoxide in 2019 (in μg/m3)

2.6 Black carbon

There currently is no limit value for black carbon as the evidence base is not yet sufficient enough to provide a basis for legally binding limit values (WHO, 2021).

Key statistics for BC in 2019
mean P50 P98 max median n % max.roll.24 max.roll.8
Rural Background
NL01437 0.6 0.4 2.6 5.4 0.4 8754 99.9 3.3 4.2
NL10131 0.7 0.5 2.5 10.5 0.5 8738 99.7 3.6 5.7
NL10444 0.6 0.3 2.6 11.8 0.3 8727 99.6 3.2 5.5
NL10633 0.6 0.4 2.6 13.2 0.4 7931 90.5 3.8 6.1
NL10644 0.7 0.5 2.8 8.3 0.5 8620 98.4 3.7 5.7
NL10807 0.6 0.4 2.2 7.6 0.4 8729 99.6 3.3 6.6
NL10929 0.5 0.3 2.4 12.4 0.3 8571 97.8 5.7 11.2
Urban Background
NL01488 0.8 0.6 2.9 9.8 0.6 8654 98.8 9.8 4.4
NL01494 1.0 0.7 3.9 10.1 0.7 8694 99.2 7.8 6.3
NL10138 0.7 0.5 3.5 9.8 0.5 8703 99.3 5.3 6.7
NL10247 0.9 0.6 3.6 9.2 0.6 8724 99.6 5.8 6.0
NL10742 0.8 0.6 2.7 9.9 0.6 8698 99.3 7.4 5.6
NL10821 0.7 0.4 3.1 10.6 0.4 8628 98.5 4.7 8.3
NL10938 0.5 0.3 2.3 24.6 0.3 8351 95.3 10.2 14.7
NL49003 0.7 0.5 2.9 10.0 0.5 8750 99.9 3.7 6.9
NL49014 0.7 0.5 2.6 8.8 0.5 8752 99.9 3.6 6.5
NL49701 0.7 0.5 3.0 27.9 0.5 8600 98.2 5.2 9.8
Roadside
NL01487 1.5 1.2 4.7 9.6 1.2 8750 99.9 5.2 7.4
NL01491 1.1 0.9 3.8 11.5 0.9 8724 99.6 5.4 8.2
NL01492 1.2 0.9 3.8 11.0 0.9 8755 99.9 5.3 8.3
NL01493 1.7 1.3 5.2 11.1 1.3 8618 98.4 7.5 8.4
NL10237 1.2 1.0 3.9 9.9 1.0 8703 99.3 5.6 7.6
NL10641 1.0 0.9 3.1 8.3 0.9 8667 98.9 4.5 6.4
NL10741 1.3 1.1 4.2 12.2 1.1 8732 99.7 5.9 7.6
NL49007 1.4 1.1 4.3 9.6 1.1 8103 92.5 5.7 7.1
NL49012 1.1 0.9 3.5 10.1 0.9 8649 98.7 5.3 6.7
NL49017 1.2 1.0 3.5 9.0 1.0 8742 99.8 4.8 7.2
NL49020 1.4 1.1 4.2 14.1 1.1 8693 99.2 6.4 8.6
Industrial
NL01496 0.8 0.6 3.1 11.2 0.6 8558 97.7 4.0 5.0
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 85%
Table 15: Key concentration values for black carbon in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Annual BC means per station type in 2019
type mean n
Rural Background 0.63 7
Urban Background 0.76 10
Roadside 1.28 11
Industrial 0.83 1
Table 16: Summary table for black carbon in 2019 (in μg/m3)

2.7 Volatile organic compounds

Key statistics for benzene in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n %
Rural Background
NL49703 0.53 0.36 2.08 2.99 0.36 338 92.60
Urban Background
NL01485 0.60 0.52 1.95 3.34 0.52 325 89.04
NL01494 0.94 0.83 2.24 3.69 0.83 347 95.07
NL01495 1.18 0.97 3.59 5.69 0.98 310 84.93
NL10643 0.27 0.21 0.84 1.05 0.21 221 60.55
Roadside
NL49017 0.77 0.66 1.88 2.38 0.66 325 89.04
Industrial
NL01484 0.88 0.70 3.13 5.08 0.70 356 97.53
NL01496 0.45 0.34 1.43 2.41 0.34 357 97.81
NL49704 0.72 0.52 2.88 5.97 0.52 353 96.71
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 85%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the future EU limit value from 01-01-2030 (2024/2881/EC)
and red of the current EU limit value (2008/50/EC)
Table 17: Key concentration values for benzene in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Annual benzene means per station type in 2019
type mean n
Rural Background 0.53 1
Urban Background 0.94 1
Industrial 0.68 3
Table 18: Summary table for benzene in 2019 (in μg/m3)

For toluene there is no legally binding limit value. Other VOCs are also measured by the LML, but are excluded from this report.

Key statistics for toluene in 2019
mean P50 P98 max median n %
Rural Background
NL49703 1.24 0.80 5.60 12.58 0.81 338 92.60
Urban Background
NL01485 2.16 1.86 5.69 11.53 1.86 325 89.04
NL01494 3.14 2.84 8.25 14.45 2.84 347 95.07
NL01495 2.60 2.12 7.18 9.30 2.12 306 83.84
NL10643 0.67 0.53 2.25 2.70 0.53 221 60.55
Roadside
NL49017 2.17 2.05 4.66 7.98 2.05 328 89.86
Industrial
NL01484 1.59 1.32 4.77 8.89 1.32 351 96.16
NL01496 0.68 0.54 2.39 5.17 0.54 347 95.07
NL49704 1.72 0.92 7.43 10.08 0.92 353 96.71
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 85%
Table 19: Key concentration values for toluene in 2019 (in μg/m3)
Annual toluene means per station type in 2019
type mean n
Rural Background 1.24 1
Urban Background 3.14 1
Industrial 1.33 3
Table 20: Summary table for toluene in 2019 (in μg/m3)

2.8 Heavy metals

The measurements of lead, arsenic, cadmium and nickel as shown in the tables below are based on PM2.5 and PM10 filter sampling.

Key statistics for Pb in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n % filter_type
Rural Background
NL10627 3.7 2.6 14.4 18.3 2.6 182 49.9 PM10
NL10644 3.9 2.5 17.5 23.2 2.5 90 24.7 PM2.5
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 45%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the annual EU limit value
Table 21: Key concentration values for lead in 2019 (in ng/m3)
Key statistics for As in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n % filter_type
Rural Background
NL10627 0.4 0.3 1.2 1.6 0.3 182 49.9 PM10
NL10644 0.4 0.3 1.1 1.5 0.3 90 24.7 PM2.5
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 45%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the annual EU limit value
Table 22: Key concentration values for arsenic in 2019 (in ng/m3)
Key statistics for Cd in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n % filter_type
Rural Background
NL10627 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.6 0.1 179 49.0 PM10
NL10644 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.5 0.1 89 24.4 PM2.5
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 45%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the annual EU limit value
Table 23: Key concentration values for cadmium in 2019 (in ng/m3)
Key statistics for Ni in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n % filter_type
Rural Background
NL10627 0.8 0.7 1.8 6.2 0.7 176 48.2 PM10
NL10644 0.7 0.5 2.7 7.8 0.5 88 24.1 PM2.5
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 45%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the annual EU limit value
Table 24: Key concentration values for nickel in 2019 (in ng/m3)
Annual heavy metals means per station type in 2019
component mean n
As 0.37 2
Cd 0.09 2
Ni 0.75 2
Pb 3.78 2
Table 25: Summary table for lead, arsenic, cadmium and nickel in 2019 (in ng/m3)

2.9 Benzo(a)pyrene

Benzo(a)pyrene concentrations based on PM10 filter sampling for 2019 are given in the following table.

Key statistics for benzo(a)pyrene in 2019
mean1 P50 P98 max median n %
Rural Background
NL10444 0.06 0.02 0.32 0.34 0.02 181 49.6
Urban Background
NL10418 0.07 0.03 0.33 0.40 0.03 182 49.9
Rows where the text is greyed out indicates a data capture < 30%
1 Orange color indicates exceedance of the annual EU limit value
Table 26: Key concentration values for benzo(a)pyrene in 2019 (in ng/m3)

3 Discussion

For all annual LML data from 1976 up to the present year, please consult the RIVM Data catalog. The monitoring data over several years including long-term trend charts can be assessed in the section on air quality on the Environmental Data Compendium website (Compendium voor de Leefomgeving). This website also provides information about the health impact of certain pollutants. The burden of disease due to air pollution can be significant, even if concentrations comply with the European limit values. Substantial improvements in public health can be achieved with further reduction of concentrations below the limit values.

4 References

Appendix A - Overview of accreditation information and limit values

The following table lists the accreditation certificate numbers for the LML for the measurements reported here and the limit values in µg/m³ for each pollutant from the three relevant guidelines. Measurements are carried out under EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by RIVM (L224) in collaboration with its regional partners DCMR (L520) and GGD Amsterdam (L426) who are accredited according to the same ISO standard. Analysis of heavy metals is outsourced to an external analytical laboratory that is accredited according to EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 under L026.

component accreditation_numbera averaging_period EU_limit_value EU_limit_value_revised WHO_AQG
NO2 L520, L224, L426 year 40 20 10
PM10 L520, L224, L426 year 40 20 15
PM10 L520, L224, L426 day 50 max 35×b 45 max 18×b 45 max 3-4×b
PM2.5 L520, L224, L426 year 25 10 5
PM2.5 L520, L224, L426 day
25 max 18×b
O3 L520, L224, L426 max_8_h 120 max 25×b 120 max 18×b,c 100 max 3-4×b
O3 L520, L224, L426 peak_season

60
SO2 L520, L224, L426 day 125 max 3× 50 max 18× 40
SO2 L520, L224, L426 year
20b
CO L426 max_8_h 10000 10000 10000
CO L426 day
4000 max 18×b 4000 max 3-4×b
benzene L520, L426 year 5 3.4 1.7
Pb sampling L224/analysis L026 year 0.5 0.5 0.5
As sampling L224/analysis L026 year 0.006 0.006 0.066
Cd sampling L224/analysis L026 year 0.005 0.005 0.005
Ni sampling L224/analysis L026 year 0.02 0.02 0.025
benzo(a)pyrene L224 year 0.001 0.001 0.12
a L224 is RIVM, L520 is DCMR, L426 is GGD Amsterdam, L026 is the analytical laboratory of TNO
b max n× means a maximum number of n exceedance days per calendar year
- For WHO this is also denoted as the 99th percentile, which is equivalent to 3-4 exceedance days per year
c Averaged over 3 years
Table 27: Accreditation information and limit values in μg/m3 from EU Directives 2008/50/EC and 2004/107/EC (EU_limit_value),
EU Directive 2024/2881 (EU_limit_value_revised), and WHO global air quality guidelines from 2021 (WHO_AQG)