Air quality in Stralsund: Red alert due to fine dust!

Air quality in Stralsund: Red alert due to fine dust!

In Stralsund, air quality is an important point on the agenda, especially when it comes to fine dust. Current measurements from the station at Knieperdamm show that the limit of 50 PM10 particles per cubic meter is partially exceeded. These values ​​are particularly relevant since 240,000 premature deaths in the EU each year are attributable to particulate matter Baltic Sea newspaper reported.

The well-documented air pollution in urban areas often comes from emissions from transport and industry. Simply put: there is something to do. Particularly in metropolitan areas, fine dust levels are higher due to the large number of emitters. In rural areas, on the other hand, PM10 levels are often between 15 and 20 µg/m³, which tends to be on the safer side Federal Environment Agency determines.

Air quality measurements: A look at the numbers

Air quality is measured using three main parameters: particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. Limit values ​​for these substances are clearly defined. If the air starts to get “very bad”, sensitive people should avoid physical exertion outdoors if possible. “Bad” values ​​also indicate that it is better to act cautiously. In plain language, this means: Avoid strenuous activities when the air is bad.

• Sehr schlecht: Stickstoffdioxid > 200 μg/m³, Feinstaub > 100 μg/m³, Ozon > 240 μg/m³.
• Schlecht: Stickstoffdioxid 101-200 μg/m³, Feinstaub 51-100 μg/m³, Ozon 181-240 μg/m³.
• Mäßig: Stickstoffdioxid 41-100 μg/m³, Feinstaub 35-50 μg/m³, Ozon 121-180 μg/m³.

Seasonal peaks, such as New Year's Eve fireworks, pose a particular challenge. This takes advantage of a few solemn hours, but it also releases significant amounts of fine dust. Fireworks emit around 2,050 tons of fine dust every year, 75 percent of which is released on New Year's Eve. However, these are not significant compared to the year-round burden, reports Baltic Sea newspaper.

A look at the historical data

Fine dust has been in focus for a long time. Particularly between 1995 and 2000, PM10 concentrations fell significantly due to reduced emissions. Nevertheless, weather-related fluctuations can still lead to high levels of particulate matter, for example during dry winters or hot summers. But since 2012, the annual limit of 40 µg/m³ has not been exceeded at any measuring station - a positive signal!

The long-term health consequences of fine dust should not be underestimated. Studies show that exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 is linked to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.

Overall, air quality remains an important issue in Stralsund and other cities. Nevertheless, it is reassuring to see that values ​​are constantly falling in many places. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what measures will be taken to sustainably improve air quality.