The Environment division of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure has called on the Luxembourg public to undertake efforts to prevent increase in levels of fine dust in the air after it was found that the Grand Duchy is at risk of exceeding the annual limit for the amount of nitrogen dioxide in the air.

In an official statement released Thursday, the Ministry stated that vehicular traffic, household heating and uncontrolled outdoor incineration have all had a significant impact on the country's air quality, with the Administration of the Environment facing increasing numbers of neighbourhood complaints following emissions from poorly-kept fireplaces.

A Grand Ducal Regulation of 7 October 2014 relating to combustion provides for minimum criteria for the use and control of heating facilities in order to reduce the emission of pollutants. Indeed, 40% of fine particle emissions and 11% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in 2014 were caused by heating. The performance and emissions of oil heating should therefore by checked every two years, gas heating every four, and wood heating stoves and those connected to the heating circuit every two years.

The statement also reminded the public that the uncontrolled burning of waste outdoors is prohibited, as it poses both health and environmental risks. Carcinogenic compounds can be released, whilst the burning of dry green waste can also issue toxic matter that causes respiratory disorders. Certain exceptions are made for a particular kind of burning, as is the case for cultural events such as the annual 'Buergbrennen'.

The Ministry further commented that alternatives to incineration exist and are often provided by municipalities in the form of compsoting, grinding and mulching. It stated that green waste is ideal for the production of compost, and such services actively contribute to better air quality.

 

Photo by Emma Terling