Research
Almost everywhere in the Netherlands, you breathe polluted air. Air pollution is one of the biggest causes of disease in our country. At the same time, our society is changing. Examples include the transition to electric driving, the reduction of fossil fuels, and making industry cleaner. These transitions affect air quality and change our exposure to polluted air. This leads to discussions and conflicts between governments, companies, and citizens that hinder the implementation of measures. In these discussions, uncertainty about our exposure to pollutants and their health effects plays a central role.
In ExpACT, we develop new technologies to measure air quality. These allow us to map more accurately which chemical and biological substances in the air we are exposed to. This enables us to identify the main sources of air pollution and to test which interventions can contribute to cleaner air. In this way, the new technologies can help reduce our exposure to pollutants in the air.
We also create an open dialogue between different stakeholders, such as scientists, policymakers, manufacturers, and citizens. They work closely together to collect and analyse air quality data. They also collaborate to translate this knowledge into concrete opportunities for stakeholders to take action. For example, by changing products, policies, and behaviours. Together, we aim to improve air quality and, in doing so, our health.
