Air quality in Stralsund: Alarming fine dust levels measured!

Air quality in Stralsund: Alarming fine dust levels measured!

Today, November 3, 2025, the current measuring stations in northern Germany present a mixed picture of air quality. As the findings from the Stralsund-Knieperdamm measuring station show, fine dust particles (PM10) are recorded and evaluated per cubic meter of air. The limit for PM10 is 50 particles per cubic meter, which can be exceeded up to 35 times a year. Air quality is a crucial factor that is influenced not only by fine dust, but also by nitrogen dioxide and ozone. The specific limits are clearly outlined by the Ostsee-Zeitung, with categories ranging from “very bad” to “very good”.

A look at the limit values ​​shows that if air quality is very poor, nitrogen dioxide is over 200 µg/m³, fine dust is over 100 µg/m³ and ozone is over 240 µg/m³. If the air is poor, values ​​of 101 to 200 µg/m³ (nitrogen dioxide) and 51 to 100 µg/m³ (fine dust) are also worrying. Recommendations indicate that people who are sensitive to poor air quality should avoid physical exertion outdoors. Overall, the health effects should not be underestimated, especially when you consider that the EU records 240,000 premature deaths every year in connection with particulate matter.

Air Quality 2024: Progress and Challenges

However, compared to these worrying figures, there are also positive developments. Like the Federal Environment Agency reported, all air quality limits were met in 2024. This is the result of extensive air pollution control measures taken at EU and national levels. These include the introduction of stricter emissions standards, the electrification of local public transport and a general reduction in speed limits.

Despite these positive trends, further efforts are necessary. The current limits are over 20 years old and are not in line with the latest scientific findings from the World Health Organization (WHO). This recommends significantly lower guideline values, including an annual average value for PM2.5 of less than 5 µg/m³ and for nitrogen dioxide of less than 10 µg/m³. Stricter regulations are planned for 2030, which will, among other things, reduce the NO2 limit values ​​to 20 µg/m³.

Fine dust and its sources

Another interesting finding is the effects of New Year's Eve fireworks on air quality. According to the Baltic Sea newspaper Fireworks release around 2,050 tons of fine dust every year on New Year's Eve, 75% of which occurs on New Year's Eve alone. The pollution may be temporary, but it often leads to noticeable increases in fine dust levels shortly after midnight, which can quickly decrease again due to wind.

However, inversion weather conditions can result in longer phases of increased fine dust levels. The health risk increases the longer people stay in such polluted air. Even if the aim is to achieve nationwide compliance with all air quality limits by 2035, continuous improvement is essential.

Overall, the World Health Organization (WHO) already showed in 2021 that progress is continually being challenged. The poor health indicators are a clear message to politicians that not only the limit values ​​must be revised, but the necessary measures to keep air clean must also be strengthened. The call for urgent compliance with these guidelines could lead to an estimated economic benefit of 38 billion euros per year, which not only benefits health but also climate protection.

In summary, air quality in northern Germany is an issue of utmost importance that affects us all. Whether through individual behavioral changes or through structural measures at the political level - there is still a lot of work to do to ensure that fresh air remains accessible to everyone.