Air quality in Rostock: fine dust values above the limit!

Air quality in Rostock: fine dust values above the limit!

Holbein-Platz, 18055 Rostock, Deutschland - Air quality in Rostock and all of Germany remains a hot topic, because the latest data show that the burden of fine dust and other pollutants has far -reaching health effects. As the

These air quality measurements are based on the values for fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. Strict guidelines apply to the various pollutants: While the maximum values for nitrogen dioxide at over 200 μg/m³, for fine dust at over 100 μg/m³ and for ozone, over 240 μg/m³ are over 240 μg/m³, the values are quite worrying.

The data not only show that the air quality in urban areas is often heavily loaded, but also that 99 percent of the measurement stations in Germany exceed the limit values of 5 μg/m³ for fine dust recommended by the WHO. The German environmental aid emphasizes that almost three quarters of the stations even the value of 10 μg/m³ for nitrogen dioxide exceed. Air quality is particularly bad in cities like Munich and Essen.

The developments in recent years have been listened to: Since 2012 there have been no exceedance of the annual limit of 40 μg/m³ at the measurement stations in Germany, which is positive. Nevertheless, it was very different in 2006, because at that time there were considerable loads from fine dust. Even today, high PM10 concentrations are registered nationwide-especially under certain weather conditions.

The problem with fine dust

fine dust is not only an annoying evil in the air, but also has serious health consequences. As experts explain, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and increased mortality are just a few of the effects. According to the Federal Environment Agency, the PM10 annual means are currently between 15 and 20 µg/m³-a decrease that comes from 50 µg/m³ in the 1990s. Especially by the emissions of traffic, industry and heating are caused by the air pollutants that still keep the fine dust pollution high.

On New Year's Eve alone, around 1500 tons of fine dust are released, which is about 75 percent of the total annual fireworks load. This shows how important it is to pay attention to the air quality on public holidays, because the weather conditions influence the distribution of the pollutants according to environmentally polluting events such as fireworks.

The developments shown are not only numbers and statistics. They have an impact on each individual of us. If the air quality deteriorates, sensitive people should avoid physical exertion outdoors. With “bad” values, it is advisable to minimize exhausting activities outdoors. It is important to consider that healthy air contributes to a healthy life!

The monitoring of air quality will continue to remain an important task for politics and society, because only through continuous improvements in emission reduction can we enjoy the advantages that brings clean air for our health.