Dutch Air Quality Resources

Dutch Air Quality Index (LKI - Luchtkwaliteitsindex) - Luntero

The Dutch Air Quality Index (LKI) offers a clear, color-coded snapshot of how clean or polluted the air is at any given moment. By merging data from multiple pollutants—such as nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone—it provides a single, easy-to-interpret score. Updated frequently from official monitoring stations, the LKI helps residents, commuters, and outdoor enthusiasts make smarter daily choices about exposure and activity. It’s the most practical way to see the Netherlands’ air quality in one glance.

Understanding LKI in air quality

The LKI translates complex air measurements into a simple snapshot of overall air quality. It aggregates key pollutants commonly tracked in the Netherlands—such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and ozone (O₃)—to provide a single, intuitive indicator. The index helps residents quickly understand whether conditions are generally good, moderate, or poor, and whether sensitive groups should take precautions. Because it reflects fresh readings from official monitoring stations, the LKI can change throughout the day as weather patterns, traffic, and regional transport of pollutants shift. It’s a practical starting point for decisions about commuting, exercise, or outdoor activities, and it links directly to detailed station and component views for those who want deeper insight.

Where does LKI come from?

The LKI is derived from real-time measurements collected by official air monitoring stations across the Netherlands. These readings include multiple pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and ozone, which are combined through a standardized calculation method to produce one unified score. By translating complex scientific data into a clear index, the LKI allows citizens and policymakers to easily compare air quality across regions and over time.

Health effects of LKI

Health implications depend on the current LKI category. Higher categories can irritate the airways, trigger asthma symptoms, and increase risk for people with heart or lung conditions, children, and older adults.

- Irritated eyes, nose, throat

- Coughing or shortness of breath

- Worsening of asthma symptoms

- Reduced exercise tolerance

- Increased risk for sensitive groups

Environmental effects of LKI

While the LKI itself is an indicator, the pollutants behind it can reduce visibility, stress plants, and degrade ecosystems. Persistently elevated levels are linked to smog episodes and broader environmental damage.

- Smog and haze formation

- Reduced visibility

- Stress on vegetation

- Soil and water acidification risk

- Ecosystem imbalance

Cities Monitoring LKI Levels

Discover which Dutch cities actively monitor LKI through official air quality stations. Each location provides real-time data that helps track pollution trends, identify hotspots, and improve public awareness. Click a city below to explore detailed measurements and see how air quality compares across the country.

Bernheze

Bernheze tracks LKI to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.

1 stations

View measurements

Rotterdam

Rotterdam tracks LKI to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.

1 stations

View measurements

Schouwen-Duiveland

Schouwen-Duiveland tracks LKI to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.

1 stations

View measurements

Explore Other Air Quality Components

Air quality is influenced by more than just this pollutant. Explore other key components such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and the overall Dutch Air Quality Index (LKI). Each pollutant plays a different role — from traffic emissions to sunlight-driven reactions — shaping how clean the air feels and how it impacts health and the environment. Discover how these components interact and learn which pollutants matter most in your area.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a traffic-related gas that often spikes in busy urban areas. It’s a major contributor to smog and can affect both lungs and overall health.

Traffic Emission Gas

Learn more

Particulate Matter ≤10 µm (PM10)

PM10 particles are coarse dust and soot small enough to be inhaled into the upper airways. They often come from traffic, construction, and natural sources like dust storms.

Coarse Dust Particles

Learn more

Fine Particulate Matter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5)

PM2.5 particles are fine pollutants that penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. They are among the most harmful pollutants, mainly from combustion and chemical reactions in the air.

Coarse Dust Particles

Learn more

Ozone (O₃) - Ground-Level

Ground-level ozone (O₃) is a secondary pollutant formed on sunny days from traffic and industrial gases. It irritates the lungs and damages plants, making it a key driver of summer smog.

Sunlight-Formed Gas

Learn more

Dutch and EU Air Quality Context

All air quality information on Luntero comes from Luchtmeetnet, the official Dutch air monitoring network operated under national and EU standards. This ensures that every measurement—whether for NO₂, PM, O₃, or the LKI index—is consistent, transparent, and comparable across the Netherlands and other European countries.

View Luchtmeetnet data source

Newest Properties in the Netherlands

Explore the latest properties added to Luntero. Find new apartments, houses, and studios across the Netherlands — updated daily to help you discover your next home faster.