Over 100 doctors and environmentalists in Brussels are urging policymakers to emulate London and Paris by implementing measures to combat the severe air pollution plaguing

the Belgian capital.

Brussels ranks as the eighth worst city out of over 800 in Europe for nitrogen dioxide levels, a harmful pollutant emitted by internal combustion engines. Additionally, it stands at 308th for PM2.5, fine particulate matter known to pose health risks when inhaled deeply into the respiratory system.

The city's air quality suffers due to traffic congestion, high corporate car ownership, and a network of major roads in the urban center. With federal, European, and regional elections approaching on June 9, activists are intensifying calls for immediate action to address the pressing pollution issue.

In an open letter published in Belgian national newspapers, 140 signatories from the advocacy group Les Chercheurs D’air highlighted that over 900 residents die prematurely each year due to poor air quality, representing more than 10% of the capital's total mortality.

Brussels faces heightened exposure to harmful pollutants like fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, which have been linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and developmental issues in children.

Advocates are urging Brussels to accelerate the implementation of strict low emissions zones, following the lead of London and Paris. They lament the bureaucratic hurdles and lack of political will hindering rapid adoption of clean air policies.

While cities like Paris and Amsterdam aim to ban fossil fuel-powered cars by 2030, Brussels is set to wait until at least 2035 for similar measures. Activists emphasize the urgent need to prioritize citizens' right to breathe clean air and safeguard public health by expediting the transition away from polluting vehicles.