Stralsund on air quality alarm: fine dust levels are rising dramatically!

Stralsund on air quality alarm: fine dust levels are rising dramatically!

On July 5, 2025, the current air quality measurement data in Germany raises questions. Particularly in Stralsund-Knieperdamm, fine dust pollution is constantly monitored. According to the Baltic Sea newspaper Fine dust particles (PM10) are recorded per cubic meter of air. The limit is 50 particles per cubic meter, and this may only be exceeded 35 times per year. Three other pollutants are observed with regard to air quality: nitrogen dioxide, ozone and their recommended limit values.

Air quality is divided into categories. Values ​​over 200 µg/m³ for nitrogen dioxide, over 100 µg/m³ for fine dust and over 240 µg/m³ for ozone are considered “very bad”. In the case of “bad” values, particularly sensitive people have to hold back. In the EU there are around 240,000 premature deaths every year due to particulate matter, a pressing problem that cannot be ignored.

Recommendations for better air quality

Current air quality recommendations vary depending on the value measured. In “very poor” conditions, sensitive people should avoid outdoor physical activity, while in “poor” conditions, only strenuous activities should be limited. At “moderate” levels, short-term health effects are unlikely, but sensitive individuals should be vigilant here too.

Fine dust – an increasingly important issue

A look at the development of fine dust pollution in Germany shows that measurements have been carried out for PM10 since 2000 and for PM2.5 since 2008. According to that Federal Environment Agency The annual average level of PM10 has fallen from 50 µg/m³ since the 1990s to currently between 15 and 20 µg/m³. This positive development can be observed above all in urban areas, where transport and industry are the main causes of emissions.

Nevertheless, new reports from the German environmental aid found that in many regions of Germany the health-endangering limit values ​​are almost consistently exceeded. This not only affects fine dust, but also nitrogen dioxide, with the WHO recommendations being exceeded at 99% of measuring stations. Such alarming figures force discussion about stricter measures and an adjustment of the legally set limits.

The effects of the New Year's Eve fireworks

The issue of fine dust pollution from New Year's Eve fireworks is attracting particular attention. Every year, around 2,050 tonnes of fine dust are released by fireworks, with 75% of this occurring on a single night, New Year's Eve. Even if this burden does not appear significant compared to the annual average, it remains dangerous to health.

In summary, it can be said that the air quality in Stralsund and throughout Germany requires a constant overview. Despite significant progress since the 1990s, the issue remains of high social relevance and dialogue on population health must be a top priority. Ultimately, compliance with WHO recommended limits could prevent thousands of premature deaths each year.