PM₂.₅ Air Quality

PM₂.₅ Air Quality: A Practical Guide to Reported Unit, Observation Time, and Station Setting

Let PM₂.₅ Air Quality identify the observation while calibration, sensor type, and weather context define the wider context.

PM₂.₅ represents PM2.5 fine particulate matter in the supported air-quality data and is reported using micrograms per cubic metre. PM₂.₅ air quality is clearest when recency, source, and local context remain explicit. Read every value together with its station, timestamp, source, unit, and status; concentrations and composite indices answer different questions and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Open the live map All pollutants

36cities covered

65measuring stations

The Official PM2.5 Thresholds

Every reading on these pages is placed on the official five-band Dutch scale. The thresholds differ per pollutant; these are the NO₂ boundaries in µg/m³.

Good≤ 15

Moderate≤ 30

Insufficient≤ 50

Bad≤ 90

Very bad> 90

Understanding PM2.5 in air quality

PM2.5 consists of microscopic particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometres or less. Because of their tiny size, they can reach the deepest parts of the lungs and, in some cases, cross into the bloodstream. PM2.5 forms directly from combustion sources—such as vehicle engines, wood burning, and certain industrial processes—or indirectly from chemical reactions involving gases like NOx, SO₂, and volatile organic compounds. Elevated PM2.5 is linked to cardiorespiratory effects and is a major driver of health burdens from air pollution worldwide. Levels vary with traffic intensity, heating seasons, stagnant weather, and regional episodes. Tracking PM2.5 helps residents and city planners reduce exposure, optimize ventilation, and target measures that deliver meaningful health and air-quality improvements.

Where does PM2.5 come from?

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) originates from combustion in vehicles, wood stoves, and industrial facilities, as well as from chemical reactions involving precursor gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. It can travel hundreds of kilometers, meaning local air quality is affected by both nearby and regional emissions. Because PM2.5 is mostly invisible and persistent, reducing its sources requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors and borders.

Health effects of PM2.5

Exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased respiratory and cardiovascular risks. Sensitive groups may experience symptoms at lower levels than the general population.

- Shortness of breath

- Asthma and COPD aggravation

- Chest tightness

- Elevated cardiovascular risk

- Increased hospital admissions

Environmental effects of PM2.5

PM2.5 drives regional haze and reduces visibility over cities and landscapes. It also influences climate by scattering and absorbing sunlight and by altering cloud properties.

- Regional haze

- Visibility reduction

- Radiative forcing effects

- Cloud and precipitation changes

- Ecosystem deposition

Where PM2.5 Is Measured

Every Dutch city with stations tracking PM2.5, ranked by coverage. Open a city for its live readings and history.

Other Pollutants

What NO₂, ozone and fine dust actually are, where they come from, and at what concentration each one moves from good to bad on the official Dutch scale.

LKI

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.

Learn about LKI

NO₂

Nitrogen dioxide

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.

Learn about NO2

PM₁₀

Particulate matter

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.

Learn about PM10

O₃

Ozone

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.

Learn about O3

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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