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

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

Air quality in Rostock and across Germany remains a hot topic, with the latest data showing that exposure to particulate matter and other pollutants has far-reaching health effects. As the Baltic Sea newspaper reports, measurements are carried out regularly at Holbein-Platz in Rostock to record the concentration of fine dust particles (PM10) per cubic meter of air. The limit value for these particles is 50 particles per cubic meter, and if this value is exceeded more than 35 times per year, things become critical.

These air quality measurements are based on levels of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. Strict guidelines apply to the various pollutants: While in the “very bad” range the maximum values ​​for nitrogen dioxide are over 200 μg/m³, for fine dust over 100 μg/m³ and for ozone over 240 μg/m³, the values ​​in the “poor” and “moderate” range are certainly worrying.

A look at the numbers

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

The developments in recent years are worth noting: Since 2012, there have been no exceedances of the annual limit of 40 μg/m³ at measuring stations in Germany, which is positive. However, things were completely different in 2006, because back then there was considerable pollution from particulate matter. Even today, high PM10 concentrations are still recorded nationwide - especially under certain weather conditions.

The problem with fine dust

Fine dust in the air is not only a nuisance, but also has serious health consequences. As experts explain, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and increased mortality are just some of the effects. According to the Federal Environment Agency, annual average PM10 values ​​are currently between 15 and 20 µg/m³ - a decrease from 50 µg/m³ in the 1990s. Especially due to emissions from traffic, industry and heating are caused by the air pollutants that keep particulate matter pollution still high.

On New Year's Eve alone, around 1,500 tons of fine dust are released, which accounts for around 75 percent of the total annual fireworks pollution. This shows how important it is to pay attention to air quality even on public holidays, because weather conditions significantly influence the distribution of pollutants after environmentally damaging events such as fireworks.

The developments shown are not just numbers and statistics. They have a direct impact on each and every one of us. If air quality deteriorates, sensitive people in particular should avoid physical exertion outdoors. If the values ​​are “poor”, it is advisable to minimize strenuous outdoor activities. It is important to remember that healthy air contributes to a healthy life!

Monitoring air quality will continue to be an important task for politics and society, because only through continuous improvements in emissions reduction can we enjoy the benefits that clean air brings to our health.