Air quality in Hanover: Fine dust causes health concerns!

Air quality in Hanover: Fine dust causes health concerns!

On June 14, 2025, the citizens of Hanover were not spared from the challenge of air quality. The measuring station on Göttinger Straße, in the Linden-Süd district, recorded promising but also worrying values ​​​​with regard to air pollution. According to HAZ, the air quality was to be assessed based on the three main values: fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.

How do you measure air quality? In Hanover this is done as standard using hourly averages. The limit value for fine dust particles (PM10) is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air and may not be exceeded more than 35 times per year. The alarm bell value is clearly defined for nitrogen dioxide, fine dust and ozone: “Very bad” are values ​​above 200 μg/m³ or 100 μg/m³ for fine dust, while ozone above 240 μg/m³ is also a problem child.

Air quality and its effects

The latest measurements make it clear that fine dust particles are a serious problem. In the EU alone they lead to 240,000 premature deaths every year. A significant proportion of fine dust emissions are released, particularly on New Year's Eve, when the air is polluted by smoke from fireworks. A total of around 2,050 tonnes of fine dust is created by fireworks, 1,500 tonnes of which are produced in a single evening, which can severely impact air quality.

But what does this actually mean for the citizens of Hanover? If the air quality is “very poor,” the authorities advise caution: sensitive people should avoid physical exertion outdoors. If the quality is “poor”, even less sensitive people should pay particular attention to their activities. At “moderate” levels, short-term health effects are unlikely, but long-term exposure can become a problem. “Good” or “very good” air quality, on the other hand, is ideal for everyone who likes to spend time outside.

A call for attention

The city administration sees itself as responsible for monitoring air quality and warning citizens when the values ​​become critical. According to N-AG, people are encouraged to prepare for particulate matter and to follow air quality reports regularly. This is particularly important because air pollution varies throughout the year and different weather conditions can affect quality.

Everyone should keep in mind the importance of protecting themselves from health risks. Find out regularly about the current air values ​​and act accordingly so as not to endanger your health and that of those around you.