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Johan Leman, 7 January 2024

The results of a recent study (ExpAIR), led by Bral and Brussels Environment, show show that more than 40µg/m³ NO2 concentration takes place in the Piersstreet. This means that air quality there is well above the threshold value (10µg/m³ NO2 concentration), set by the World Health Organisation, throughout the whole year. The air quality there also does not meet current European standards. The degree of air pollution there can be called “dangerous” and is among the highest of the Brussels region.

Presumably this is due to the fact that the Piersstreet takes the form of a “street canyon”. That is, a narrow street, with tall houses on either side, and heavy traffic of cars and buses.

Would the results in Ribaucourt Street be that much different? And what do residents in Courtois Street have to fear? Can be allowed that in such a narrow street as Courtois Street a real estate promoter would additionally plan a large underground car park? Ditto for the corners giving onto Place Sainctelette…

Fortunately, this consciousness also seems to live on among the administrators of Molenbeek municipality, more so than among the promoters in real estate. As for the residents, they should realise that such conditions demonstrably lead to shorter lifespans for them and more diseases.

Perhaps this air pollution problem should be mapped for all of Lower Molenbeek? Proposals could then follow,making sure they are supported by the residents themselves.

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