Measuring industrial air pollution in Maastricht 1850-1950

Description

This article offers a methodological and empirical contribution to environmental and economic history by presenting a new approach to estimating localised-historical air pollution in urban environment from the bottom-up. It demonstrates how air pollution levels can be estimated prior to the widespread availability of accurate air quality data. By leveraging factory location and operational activity in Maastricht (1850-1950), this study combines archival records with modern emissions methods to calculate pollution generated. It also provides a spatial analysis on the location and type of industry with the city to analyse distribution of pollution. The research aims to deliver the first detailed localised urban estimate of air pollution during a critical phase of industrialisation in the Netherlands, offering new insights into historical environmental conditions.

Period	1 Jan 1850 → 1 Jan 1950
Event title	World Economic History Congress 2025: Equality and Sustainability Challenges
Event type	Conference
Location	Lund, SwedenShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International