Starting Monday, July 18: National Heat Plan and smog alert

It’s hot today, and the heat is expected to last for several more days. For many people, that means enjoying the beach or the backyard. For others, it may be less pleasant. People who are unable to take proper care of themselves need extra attention on hot days to minimize the effects of the heat and prevent health problems. That is why the National Heat Plan will take effect on Monday, July 18, 2022 . The heat across much of Europe may also lead to smog. People who are sensitive to smog may experience symptoms as a result. Therefore, starting Monday, July 18, a smog warning will be in effect in addition to the heat plan .

The heat plan and smog alert apply to the entire country. The RIVM made this decision after consulting with theKNMI (Royal NetherlandsMeteorological Institute) in response to forecasts of persistent heat. According to the KNMI, the hot weather may continue through Wednesday.

Vulnerable groups

Hot weather can cause people who are unable to care for themselves properly to experience discomfort (such as fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating) and more serious health problems (such as dehydration and heatstroke). Older adults are the most vulnerable group, as they have a harder time regulating their body temperature and are less likely to feel thirsty. In addition, others can easily experience discomfort or health problems if they do not take precautions; this includes people with chronic conditions, socially isolated individuals, the homeless, people who are overweight, and (very) young children. Both extreme heat and high concentrations of ozone in the summer (summer smog) affect everyone, but summer smog also has vulnerable groups, such as older adults, children, people with respiratory diseases, and people who engage in physical activity outdoors.

Tips for Preventing Discomfort and Health Problems 

It’s a good idea to consider whether there are vulnerable people in your community and to keep an extra eye on them. The most important tips for everyone to help prevent discomfort and health problems caused by the heat and smog are:

• Drink enough (water); 
• Keep the house cool using window shades, a fan, or air conditioning;
• Limit physical activity in the afternoon and early evening.

In addition, it’s a good idea to prevent sunburn. To do this, it’s important to use adequate protection. 

National Heat Plan

The National Heat Plan is an action plan designed to alert organizations, professionals, and volunteers in a timely manner when prolonged hot weather is forecast, so that measures can be taken to protect vulnerable groups. This ensures that measures can be taken in a timely manner to reduce and (where possible) prevent discomfort and health problems among vulnerable groups, such as the elderly. If hot weather persists for an extended period and temperatures rise significantly, even people in good health can suffer from heatstroke or heat exhaustion. 

Ozone-induced smog

Ozone smog occurs when air pollution accumulates on sunny days. The RIVM advises people who are sensitive to smog to stay indoors and limit strenuous physical activity. In Europe, information and alert thresholds have been established for ozone. TheEUinformation threshold is 180 micrograms of ozone per cubic meter of air. If this value is exceeded or is likely to be exceeded, people who are sensitive to smog may experience symptoms. The RIVM then issues a warning. Air quality is then classified as “poor” according to the Dutch Air Quality Index. The EU alert threshold is 240 micrograms of ozone per cubic meter of air. Air quality is then “very poor” according to the Dutch Air Quality Index. When this value is exceeded, anyone may experience symptoms. If this is likely to happen, the RIVM upgrades the smog warning to a smog alert.

Source: RIVM