Air quality in Stralsund: Alarming fine dust levels discovered!

Air quality in Stralsund: Alarming fine dust levels discovered!

It's a cold November day in Stralsund, and air quality is once again the focus of attention. The measuring station at Knieperdamm recorded current values ​​for fine dust (PM10). The limit value for PM10 is 50 particles per cubic meter of air. The current guidelines allow this value to be exceeded up to 35 times a year, which highlights the level of air pollution in urban areas. The issue of air quality not only affects Stralsund, but also other cities in Germany, where the air quality index (LQI) from the Federal Environment Agency is regularly consulted Ostsee-Zeitung.

The LQI assesses the air quality according to various pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone and particulate matter and divides these into classes: “very good”, “good”, “moderate”, “poor” and “very poor”. This classification is based on the latest health studies and recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and gives citizens valuable information about health risks Umweltbundesamt.

Current measurement data and health risks

The measurements from Stralsund currently show that air quality is influenced by fine dust and other pollutants. The following limit values ​​generally apply: If the values ​​are above 200 μg/m³ for nitrogen dioxide and above 100 μg/m³ for fine dust, the assessment classifies the air as “very bad”. Sensitive people should exercise particular caution at such values ​​and avoid physical exertion outdoors. If the LQI is “poor”, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities, even outdoors, while “moderate” values are unlikely to have any short-term health effects Ostsee-Zeitung.

Another worrying issue is fine dust pollution, which increases significantly on New Year's Eve. About 1,500 tons of particulate matter is released during the fireworks display, which is about 75% of the annual amount. These health-endangering particles should not be overlooked, especially during the night of celebration, even if the overall seasonal impact is taken into account. Weather-related factors play an additional role here, as they can influence the spread of fine dust.

Outlook and recommendations

Considering that 239,000 deaths in the EU alone were due to particulate matter last year, the urgency of comprehensive air quality management becomes clear. The EU plans to update the Air Quality Directive, which is due to come into force in 2024. The aim is to introduce stricter limit values ​​in order to better inform the population about the health consequences of air pollution, in particular to protect sensitive groups Umweltbundesamt.

Air quality is therefore a key issue that affects our health. With the right information and education, each individual can help reduce their own exposure to harmful air pollutants and thus ensure a better quality of life. So if you are good at choosing outdoor activities, you will be less affected by air pollution.