Air quality in Göttingen: Warning of days with fine dust pollution!

Air quality in Göttingen: Warning of days with fine dust pollution!

On July 11, 2025, the air quality in Göttingen was examined at the measuring station on Bürgerstrasse. The focus was on the values ​​for fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone, which are crucial for assessing air quality. The air is monitored according to strict criteria, with fine dust particles up to PM10 being measured per cubic meter of air. The limit value for fine dust is 50 micrograms per cubic meter and may not be exceeded more than 35 times per year in order to minimize health risks, reports the Göttinger Tageblatt.

Air quality is assessed based on three main metrics: particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. These values ​​can be divided into different categories, ranging from very bad to very good. For example, air quality is rated as very poor if nitrogen dioxide is above 200 µg/m³ or fine dust is above 100 µg/m³, which can have significant health effects for sensitive people. To avoid this, the Federal Environment Agency advises that sensitive people should avoid physical exertion outdoors when the air quality is poor.

Causes and consequences of fine dust pollution

Particulate matter has many causes; In addition to natural factors, human activities such as transport, industry and agriculture are also important. Transport is particularly problematic as it accounts for a large proportion of emissions. According to the Federal Environment Agency, annual average PM10 values ​​in Germany have fallen sharply since the 1990s - from once over 50 µg/m³ to currently around 15 to 20 µg/m³. This shows that the air pollution control policy of recent years has definitely borne fruit.

Despite this positive development, some cities in Germany are still affected by limit values ​​being exceeded. In 2021, cities like Munich and Essen suffered particularly high levels of pollution due to nitrogen dioxide. It has shown that overall emissions have fallen by around 64% over the last 30 years, demonstrating public efforts to improve air quality.

Health effects

The health consequences of fine dust should not be underestimated. It is estimated that there are around 240,000 premature deaths every year in the EU that are directly attributable to particulate matter pollution. Long-term exposure can lead to serious illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. A home remedy in the fight against air pollution? Breathing protection or simply avoiding spending time outdoors during times with high levels of fine dust can help.

In summary, it remains to be said that air quality is an issue that affects us all. While levels have improved, it is crucial to remain vigilant and continue to reduce air pollution to protect public health and the environment.

For further information on current fine dust pollution and air quality in Germany, the relevant reports: Göttingen Tageblatt, Federal Environment Agency, Statista.