Contribution of fossil fuels and air pollutants emissions in Belgium since 1980 The role of traffic

ABSTRACT An introduction of air pollution problems in relationship with catalyst technology challenges is given through four aspects : • major air pollution issues involving traffic at different geographical scales; • review of EU vehicle emission regulations from 1970 up until now; • history of emissions of seven pollutants from road vehicles in Belgium between 1960 and 1995 in relation with the regulation put in place; • and finally, a few comments on results of air pollution monitoring network in cities during the last few years. Conclusions on challenges for catalyst scientists and makers are drawn up within the framework of this overview.