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Dutch Air Quality Resources

Ozone (O₃) - Ground-Level - Luntero

Ground-level ozone (O₃) is a secondary pollutant formed when sunlight reacts with traffic and industrial gases. It tends to build up on warm, sunny days and can travel far from its original source, affecting entire regions. Ozone is a strong irritant that impacts both human health and plant life, playing a major role in summer smog episodes. Keeping an eye on O₃ levels helps people time outdoor activities wisely and supports regional efforts to curb smog formation.

Understanding O3 in air quality
Ozone (O₃) at ground level is not emitted directly; it forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. Concentrations usually peak in the afternoon and during warm seasons, and they can be elevated far from original emission sources due to regional transport. Ozone is a strong oxidant that irritates the airways, reduces lung function, and can trigger chest tightness and coughing—especially during outdoor exercise. Vegetation is also sensitive to O₃, with prolonged exposure reducing crop yields and stressing forests. Monitoring local ozone alongside precursors helps communities time outdoor activity, implement emission-reduction strategies, and evaluate regional smog episodes.

Where does O3 come from?

Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly; it forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in sunlight. The process is accelerated by warm, stagnant weather, which explains higher ozone levels during summer. Since O₃ can travel far from its origin, both local traffic and upwind industrial regions contribute to the ozone measured in a given area.

Health effects of O3
Short-term exposure to elevated ozone can cause throat irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulty, particularly during exercise. People with asthma or lung disease may be more susceptible.

- Airway irritation

- Coughing and chest tightness

- Reduced lung function

- Worsening of asthma symptoms

- Eye irritation

Environmental effects of O3
Ozone damages plant tissues, reduces photosynthesis, and can suppress crop yields. Over time, it contributes to regional smog and degrades natural and agricultural ecosystems.

- Vegetation and crop damage

- Reduced photosynthesis

- Forest stress

- Regional smog formation

- Ecosystem productivity loss

Cities Monitoring O3 Levels

Discover which Dutch cities actively monitor O3 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.

Rotterdam
Rotterdam tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Den Haag
Den Haag tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Utrechtse Heuvelrug
Utrechtse Heuvelrug tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Maastricht
Maastricht tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Sittard-Geleen
Sittard-Geleen tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Eindhoven
Eindhoven tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Hoeksche Waard
Hoeksche Waard tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Terneuzen
Terneuzen tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Veldhoven
Veldhoven tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Hilvarenbeek
Hilvarenbeek tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Almere
Almere tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Beekdaelen
Beekdaelen tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Steenwijkerland
Steenwijkerland tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Stichtse Vecht
Stichtse Vecht tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Lopik
Lopik tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Groningen
Groningen tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Schouwen-Duiveland
Schouwen-Duiveland tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Schiedam
Schiedam tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Noordwijk
Noordwijk tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Dronten
Dronten tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Vlaardingen
Vlaardingen tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Haarlemmermeer
Haarlemmermeer tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Maassluis
Maassluis tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Berkelland
Berkelland tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Nijmegen
Nijmegen tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Noardeast-Fryslân
Noardeast-Fryslân tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Ede
Ede tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Borger-Odoorn
Borger-Odoorn tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Breda
Breda tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Heerlen
Heerlen tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Roerdalen
Roerdalen tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Dordrecht
Dordrecht tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Woensdrecht
Woensdrecht tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Hollands Kroon
Hollands Kroon tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Hellendoorn
Hellendoorn tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Venray
Venray tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.
Woerden
Woerden tracks O3 to reveal how air quality changes throughout the day and how it compares with other cities in the Netherlands.

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.

Dutch Air Quality Index (LKI - Luchtkwaliteitsindex)
The Dutch Air Quality Index (LKI) gives a simple snapshot of overall air pollution levels. It combines key pollutants into one score to help you quickly understand today’s air quality.
Overall Air Index
Learn more
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

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
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