Alarming air quality in Rostock: Fine dust endangers health!

Alarming air quality in Rostock: Fine dust endangers health!

The air quality in Rostock is being put to the test again. On August 12, 2025, the measuring station at Holbein-Platz recorded current values ​​for fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. These three parameters are crucial for evaluating the air we breathe in the Hanseatic city. According to the Baltic Sea newspaper The limit values ​​for PM10, an important particulate matter index, are 50 particles per cubic meter of air. This value may be exceeded a maximum of 35 times per year.

But what do these numbers really mean? Air quality is divided into different categories: “Very Poor”, “Poor”, “Moderate”, “Good” and “Very Good”. Strict criteria apply to the most dangerous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and fine dust. This shows that values ​​above 200 μg/m³ for nitrogen dioxide are classified as “very bad”.

Current measurements and recommendations

So far the data for Rostock is a mixed picture. Sensitive people should not undertake physical exertion outdoors in “very poor” air quality, which can occur when the air quality exceeds 200 μg/m³. With “poor” strenuous activities should also be avoided, whereas with “moderate” no short-term health consequences are to be expected unless you belong to the particularly sensitive groups.

Another exciting facet is the fact that New Year's Eve fireworks contribute significantly to fine dust pollution. Around 2,050 tonnes of fine dust are released every year, with 75% of this being emitted on New Year's Eve. But how does the air quality in Rostock relate to global trends?

Air quality in international comparison

An analysis IQAir shows that Rostock is not at the top of the air quality rankings in Germany. Various measuring stations – from Holbeinplatz to Warnemünde – provide a comprehensive picture of air quality. Interestingly, according to this analysis, cities like Ludwigshafen and Freiburg tend to be the problem children when it comes to air quality.

As far as health effects are concerned, the warnings about air pollution in Germany cannot be dismissed. In 2021, there were an estimated 240,000 premature deaths in the EU due to particulate matter, further fueling the debate about air pollution control. The Statista Graphics show that emissions in Germany have been reduced in recent decades, but the problem of exceeding limit values ​​still exists in many places. High levels of particulate matter from various sources remain a serious issue, particularly in urban areas.

With this in mind, it is essential to remain vigilant and informed about current developments in air quality. The coming weeks will show whether Rostock can improve its place in the air quality rankings or whether the air pollution challenges will continue.