BelAir 3.0.54

The BelAIR air quality application provides a qualitative assessment of current air conditions across Belgium, ranging from "very good" to "horrible." It also offers short-term forecasts for upcoming days and insights into the potential long-term trends of air pollution levels.

Measuring and Modelling

Belgium's three regions maintain a network of over 100 automatic monitoring stations that deliver precise measurements of air quality. Due to the high costs associated with these stations, their deployment cannot be ubiquitous. To address this limitation, computational models are employed to estimate air quality in locations lacking direct measurements. These models utilize existing data to generate a comprehensive overview of air quality across all regions of Belgium.

BelAQI Air Quality Index

The overall assessment of air quality depends on the concentrations of various airborne pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone. The BelAQI index quantifies air quality by analyzing these substances, assigning a rating from "very good" to "horrible." Each component is evaluated based on the potential short-term health impacts. The worst-case individual assessment among these substances determines the overall BelAQI classification.

Long-Term Air Quality Considerations

Beyond immediate conditions, the BelAIR app provides an overview of the long-term implications of air pollution. It compares annual average concentrations at specific locations with European regulatory limit values and the health advisory levels set by the World Health Organization. This comparison offers insights into the chronic health risks associated with air pollution exposure over time.