…"The costs involved in improving air quality will be offset at least five-fold by the benefits
to society as a whole” … (Stavros Dimas, European Commissioner for Environment)
Sharing new ways to reduce air pollution
DustConf 2007 is a conference about sharing new ways to reduce air pollution, caused by particulate matter from industry, agriculture and other stationary sources, such as domestic heating. These less understood sources of particulate matter – sources other than traffic and power production – are responsible for 60% of total particulate emissions as a whole. Agriculture alone is responsible for 10 – 20 % of these emissions. If we are to meet the EU PM10 limit values we now need to look to these sources to reduce emissions.
Jerry De Brie voor ecoTips 02(2007)3-5
Dust or particulate matter, expressed as PM10 / 2.5, is becoming the most important air pollutant in Western Europe. In many areas, especially in and around major European cities, air quality does not meet the European standards. Local governments have to meet increasing demands for a better environment, when at the same time traffic, industry and agriculture are extending and intensified.
Particulate matter spreads over long distances, and emissions in one country will influence air quality in other countries. As a consequence, local air quality can only be improved as the result of a joint effort of neighbouring countries. Therefore, international knowledge exchange in the field of reduction technologies and practical reduction policies regarding fine particles is necessary.
This conference created an opportunity for an extensive knowledge exchange between policymakers, experts, environmental managers, consultants from different countries and organisations.
DustConf 2007 focused on reduction technologies and practical reduction policies and EU-directive implementation methods for stationary sources in industry and agriculture.
The conference focused primarily on PM10 / 2.5 or the respiratory aerosols. It aimed at providing information about practical approaches to tackle emissions of fine particles to improve local air quality. There was room to discuss practical solutions and ways to implement EU legislations. The conference payed attention to technical solutions for emissions of fine particles, both for end-of-pipe solutions and for in-process solutions.