The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Unit of the Environment Agency recorded a concentration of 53μg/m3 at the Esch-sur-Alzette monitoring station on Tuesday, exceeding the daily threshold of 50μg/m3.
The daily threshold of 50 μg/m3 is likely to be exceeded again on Wednesday, especially in the southern part of the country.
However, the good news is that a decrease in fine-particle concentrations is expected from Thursday onwards.
The triggering of a threshold means that there is a risk to the health of particularly vulnerable individuals. It is therefore recommended that vulnerable and sensitive groups (those suffering from cardiovascular diseases, cardiac or respiratory insufficiency, asthmatics, and immunocompromised people) take precautions by avoiding going out or any prolonged physical activity in the open air.
To reduce air pollution, the authorities advise residents to prioritise public transit and carpooling, maintain heaters on a regular basis, and avoid using open fireplaces.
The authorities further remind the public that waste burning causes the formation of fine particles and that, according to the amended waste management law of 21 March 2012, it is illegal to burn waste in the open air.
