Air quality in Stralsund: Red alarm level due to fine dust!

Air quality in Stralsund: Red alarm level due to fine dust!

Stralsund, Deutschland - In Stralsund, air quality is an important point on the agenda, especially when it comes to fine dust. Current measurements of the station on the Knieperdamm show that the limit of 50 PM10 particles is partially exceeded per cubic meter. These values are particularly relevant, since 240,000 premature deaths in the EU are due to fine dust, such as the Ostsee-Zeitung reported.

The well -documented air pollution in urban areas often goes back to emissions from traffic and industry. Simply put: there is something to do. Especially in metropolitan areas, the fine dust values are higher due to the large number of issuers. In rural areas, on the other hand, the PM10 pollution is often between 15 and 20 µg/m³, which means that one tends to be on the safer side, as the Environmental Federal Office

air quality measurements: A look at the numbers

The air quality is measured using three main parameters: fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. Limit values for these substances are clearly defined. If the air begins to become "very bad", you should avoid physical exertion outdoors as a sensitive person. Even "bad" values indicate that it is better to act carefully. This means in plain language: Avoid exhausting activities when the air is bad.

• very bad: nitrogen dioxide> 200 μg/m³, fine dust> 100 μg/m³, ozone> 240 μg/m³.
• bad: nitrogen dioxide 101-200 μg/m³, fine dust 51-100 μg/m³, ozone 181-240 μg/m³.
• moderate: nitrogen dioxide 41-100 μg/m³, fine dust 35-50 μg/m³, ozone 121-180 μg/m³.

A special challenge is seasonal tips, for example through the New Year's fireworks. This uses a few solemn hours, but also releases significant amounts of fine dust. Fireworks are emitted around 2050 tons of fine dust annually, with 75 percent of which are released on New Year's Eve. However, these are not significant compared to the year -round burden, so reports the Ostsee-Zeitung .

A look at the historical data

Fine dust has been in focus for a long time. Between 1995 and 2000 in particular, the PM10 concentrations significantly reduced by reduced emissions. Nevertheless, weather -related fluctuations can continue to lead to high fine dust values, for example during dry winter or hot summer. But since 2012 there have been no exceedance of the annual limit of 40 µg/m³ at all measurements - a positive signal!

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

Overall, air quality remains an important topic in Stralsund and other cities. Nevertheless, it can be seen calmly that the values in many places decrease constantly. It remains to be seen how the situation develops and what measures are taken to improve the air quality.