Buying an air purifier in Belgium

With 98% of the Belgian population living in urban areas, it is considered to be one of the most heavily urbanised countries in Europe¹. This means that almost the entirety of the country’s population is exposed to urban air pollution on a daily basis (both indoors and outdoors), creating physical and health consequences that place a heavy burden on public health. Which air pollutants pose the most danger? Can an air purifier in Belgium help protect you from air pollution at home and at work? Read on to learn more.

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Air quality in Belgium

The main air pollutants in Belgium

Belgium is one of the few countries in Europe that has recognised the importance of clean air. Fighting air pollution is a win-win: itreduces costs and safeguards residents from the dangers of air pollution. Multiple studies have focused their efforts on analysing both outdoor and indoor air pollution levels in Belgium. The air pollutants that cause the most danger in Belgium (though are also problematic worldwide) include:

• Particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10)
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• Ozone (O3)

These pollutants are typically emitted by combustion from vehicles and road traffic. They lead to an increase in irritation of the respiratory tract and the development and aggravation of respiratory diseases like allergies, asthma, COPD, and multiple types of cancer (but especially lung cancer) in the long-term.

Outdoor air pollution

A 2023 study analysed the link between exposure to ambient air pollution, specifically heightened PM2.5 levels, and all-cause non-urgent and urgent medical care visits. Higher concentrations of PM2.5 led to increased general practitioner visits (at all hours) for both adults and young people. By improving outdoor air quality, over 50,000 in-hours and out-of-hours GP visits in Belgium could be avoided, amounting to an annual cost of €43 million².

This is not the first study to make these findings in other parts of the world. It has been well-established that air pollution exposure leads to oxidative stress and inflammation, making anyone who is exposed more vulnerable to respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma. Certain population groups, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly, are more vulnerable than others, but air pollution impacts everyone. A 2013 study out of Japan found that increased outdoor air pollution levels (namely PM2.5 and ozone) were associated with more primary care visits for allergies and asthma-related symptoms in children³. Another 2021 study in London found that short-term increases to NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 were associated with an increase in inhaler prescriptions and GP respiratory consultations. Children were more heavily affected⁴.

Furthermore, as seen below, Belgium is ranked number four in terms of fine particle exposure in the European Union:

Source ¹⁰

Indoor air pollution

A 2007 study in Antwerp, the first of its kind in Belgium, aimed to characterise air quality in residential (home) and school environments as a result of increases in allergies and asthmaprevalence. It discovered that PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 levels indoors all exceeded guidelines set by the Belgian government. In primary schools, PM2.5 mass concentrations exceeded guidelines by 46%. This study was one of the first to raise concerns throughout Belgium regarding adverse health effects on children due to indoor air pollution⁵.

Many other studies around the world have had a similar focus. A 2010 study reported that indoor air pollution causes 1.6 million deaths annually (693,000 due to COPD and 910,000 due to lower respiratory infections)⁶. This number has since increased dramatically with the World Health Organization reporting that 3.2 million deaths were attributed to household air pollution in 2020, 237,000 of whom were children under 5⁷. A 2016 study details the effects that each type of indoor air pollution has on the body:

• Particulate matter (PM): respiratory diseases like allergies, asthma, COPD, and multiple types of cancer (especially lung cancer); mental health conditions like anxiety and depression; reduced productivity and concentration; cell damage and cell death
• Carbon monoxide: disturbance of the chemistry in multiple cell types
• Sulphur dioxide: cell damage and cell death
• Nitrogen dioxide: lung damage at any concentration; cell damage and cell death
• Volatile organic compounds: sensory irritation; behavioural, neurotoxic, hepatoxic, and genotoxic effects; formaldehyde and benzene are human carcinogens
• Radon: human carcinogen⁸

Combatting indoor air pollution at home, at school, and at work has become an essential problem in Belgium and most countries throughout the world.

Measures and initiatives taken to improve air quality in Belgium

Belgium has implemented multiple efforts nationwide to help reduce air pollution and improve outdoor and indoor air quality (in homes and professional spaces). On 11 December 2022, a new law was put into action that aims to improve indoor air quality in all public spaces. The goal is to reduce fine particle pollution, VOCs, and germs to protect against future pandemics but also to protect residents from the dangers of air pollution. This is done by the compulsory monitoring of indoor air quality in Horeca establishments (hotels, restaurants, cafés), cinemas, museums, fitness centres, clubs, and more⁹.

Additionally, Belgium has run campaigns encouraging carpooling, greener means of transport (biking, walking, and public transportation), has invested in renewable energies for its public transportation, and has implemented low-emission zones throughout its urban centres.

How to choose an air purifier in Belgium?

Consider your specific needs

Before choosing an air purifier, it is important to ask yourself what your main goal is in regards to indoor air quality:

• Do you hope to protect yourself at home or in your professional space from fine particle pollutants like PM2.5?
• Is reducing allergies and/or asthma symptoms aggravated by pollen or dust mites your priority?
• Are you worried about the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on your health?
• Do you aim to protect yourself, your family, and/or your coworkers from disease spread (bacteria and viruses) like COVID-19 and other future pandemics at home or in a professional space?

Whatever your reason may be, clean air is crucial. Be sure to choose an air purifier that is capable of filtering the pollutants and contaminants that concern you most. Or, even better, choose a device that is capable of fighting all types of air pollution – Eoleaf devices come equipped with 8 different air purification technologies and are able to remove and clean all three types of air pollution (fine particle pollution, biological pollution, and chemical pollution).

Another factor to keep in mind is the surface area of your space. Air purifiers are designed to filter the air in spaces of a maximum size, so be sure to consider the device’s capacity before making your purchase.

Choose the right air purification technologies

The air purification market is incredibly diverse containing products of varying quality and filtration capabilities. How do you make your choice? When beginning to consider a device, look at its technical specifications. What kinds of technologies does it offer?

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-certified filters are considered to be the gold standard of filtration and are essential to be included as part of your air purifier’s technologies. These filters are guaranteed to remove 99.97% of all air pollutant particles down to a size of 0.3 microns in a single pass. However, these filters are capable of filtering particles that are much smaller, down to even 0.01 microns (read more about the 0.3 micron barrier here). This includes biological pollution (germs, mould and spores, pollen, pet hair and dander), chemical pollution (VOCs and ozone), and fine particle pollution (PM10, PM2.5 and PM0.1).

HEPA filters are not capable of removing VOCs or other types of chemical pollution from the air. This is why we always recommend purchasing an air purifier with multiple, complementary air filtration technologies. Activated carbon filtration is another essential technology that you should seek out in an air purifier. Activated carbon targets VOCs, toxic gases, and even unpleasant odours, filling in the gap left by HEPA filters.

Many air purifying products contain the two above technologies and nothing more. This is where Eoleaf devices shine: with our 8-step air purification technology, we also offer pre-filtration, a bamboo filter, UVC sterilisation, photocatalysis, and ionisation technologies, providing you with the most thorough air purification on the market. Our devices also never emit ozone.

Consider practical characteristics

An air purifier should be powerful but quiet. This is especially important if the goal is to install your air purifier in a bedroom at home, an office, or a medical clinic where users of the space should not be disturbed. Be sure to choose a device that never exceeds a 60 dB noise level even at its highest speed.

In addition, your device should be easy to maintain. Some devices with multiple filtration technologies require separate filter replacements and schedules for each different type of air filtration. This becomes both complicated (for organisation’s sake) and expensive. Eoleaf’s filters, for example, contain all of its filtration technologies in one filter block that requires changing once per year. Some devices require more frequent filter changes which, again, contributes to a higher maintenance budget.

Lastly, smart features are particularly useful when your goal is to improve air quality. More modern devices will contain some or all of the following smart technologies: Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone app compatibility, smart scheduling, air quality sensors, hands-free gesture control, and voice commands. Eoleaf devices contain them all!

Where to buy an air purifier in Belgium?

Online

Online shopping has opened a world of convenience for comparisons of brands, reviews, and pricing all from the comforts of your own home. Purchasing an Eoleaf air purifier online is seamless. You can find all of our available models on our website: www.eoleaf.com. If you need any help making your purchase online, our (human, not AI!) customer service representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Be sure to check out Eoleaf’s reviews on Judge.me and Google!

Eoleaf distributors in Belgium

Eoleaf has dedicated distributors in Belgium, allowing you to ask questions and see the device in person if required. Contact information for our distributor in Belgium can be found below:

AJ Air

Frequently asked questions

What are the main criteria to consider when purchasing an air purifier in Belgium?

There are a few factors to keep in mind when purchasing an air purifier in Belgium: your air quality needs (allergies/asthma/other symptoms), the size of your space, the air filtration technologies offered by the device, budget, and the noise level. However, there are many factors to consider before investing in an air purifier: refer to our in-depth Buying Guide for more.

How to determine the right size of air purifier required for my home or office?

Most devices provide their filtration capacity as part of the product description. Compare that information with the size of your home or office to ensure that the product you have in mind will be able to efficiently clean all of the air in your space.

How much does a good quality air purifier cost in Belgium?

Air purifiers vary significantly in pricing and quality. Devices may vary from 200€ all the way to 2000€. Your specific needs and the size of your space will be the main determinants in how much you spend on a device. However, it is important to consider maintenance costs and energy efficiency, both of which will significantly add to your budget.

Are there air purifiers equipped with smart technologies in Belgium?

More modern air purifiers on offer in Europe and the UK will contain smart technologies, Belgium included. Some of the smart technologies you may find in a modern air purifier include Wi-Fi connectivity, smartphone app compatibility, air quality sensors, smart scheduling hands-free gesture control, and voice commands to name a few.

Where are the best places to buy an air purifier in Belgium?

Air purifiers may be purchased either online or through a distributor in Belgium. Doing your research before making your purchase is the best way to make the best choice!

Can I find air purifiers specially designed for allergy sufferers in Belgium?

Air purifiers that contain High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)-certified filters are designed to combat allergens in Belgium like pollen, pet hair and dander, dust and dust mites, mould and its spores, and more. HEPA filters clean 99.97% of all air pollutants down to a size of 0.01 microns in a single pass.

How often should I replace the filters of my air purifier in Belgium?

This answer will vary depending upon the device. Some devices with lower-quality filters require filter changes every few months (three or four times per year). High-quality filters, like Eoleaf’s, require changing less often. Eoleaf devices require replacing just once a year. Changing your filters is essential in continuing to protect yourself from indoor air pollution, especially for keeping allergies, asthma, and other respiratory disease symptoms at bay.

Sources

¹ Pourcentage de la population vivant dans les zones urbaines. PRB. (n.d.). Available at https://www.prb.org/international/indicator/urban/snapshot

² Vranken, A., Bijnens, E., Horemans, C., Leclercq, A., Kestens, W., Karakaya, G., Vandenthoren, L., Trimpeneers, E., Vanpoucke, C., Fierens, F., Nawrot, T., Cox, B., & Bruyneel, L. (2023). Association of air pollution and green space with all-cause general practitioner and emergency room visits: A cross-sectional study of young people and adults living in Belgium. Environmental Research, 236, 116713. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2023.116713

³ Yamazaki, S., Shima, M., Yoda, Y., Oka, K., Kurosaka, F., Shimizu, S., Takahashi, H., Nakatani, Y., Nishikawa, J., Fujiwara, K., Mizumori, Y., Mogami, A., Yamada, T., & Yamamoto, N. (2015). Exposure to air pollution and meteorological factors associated with children’s primary care visits at night due to asthma attack: Case-crossover design for 3-year pooled patients. BMJ Open, 5(4). doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005736

⁴ Ashworth, M., Analitis, A., Whitney, D. et al. Spatio-temporal associations of air pollutant concentrations, GP respiratory consultations and respiratory inhaler prescriptions: a 5-year study of primary care in the borough of Lambeth, South London. Environ Health 20, 54 (2021). doi:10.1186/s12940-021-00730-1

⁵ Stranger, M., Potgieter-Vermaak, S. S., & Van Grieken, R. (2007). Comparative overview of indoor air quality in Antwerp, Belgium. Environment International, 33(6), 789–797. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2007.02.014

⁶ Respiratory health effects of indoor air pollution. September 2010. The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease 14(9):1079-1086.

⁷ World Health Organization. (2023a, December 15). Household air pollution. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/household-air-pollution-and-health

⁸ Hoskins, J. A. (2003). Health effects due to indoor air pollution. Indoor and Built Environment, 12(6), 427–433. doi:10.1177/1420326x03037109

⁹ Règlementation Qualité de l’air Belgique: Quelle Est-Elle? Octopus Lab. (2023, October 26). https://octopuslab.fr/fr/ressources/reglementation/qualite-de-lair-belgique-reglementation/

¹⁰ Qualité de l’air. (2024, March 25). Vers une Belgique en bonne santé. https://www.belgiqueenbonnesante.be/fr/etat-de-sante/determinants-de-sante/qualite-de-lair