Alarming fine dust in Kiel: How is the air quality today?

Alarming fine dust in Kiel: How is the air quality today?

Today, June 17, 2025, we take a closer look at the air quality in Kiel. Various pollutants were recorded at the measuring station on Bahnhofstrasse, including fine dust (PM10), nitrogen dioxide and ozone. Lynch lines of the health status of the air we breathe, the regulation shows that values ​​above the limit values ​​are alarming and require direct feedback for the population. According to current measurement data, the PM10 limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air may be exceeded a maximum of 35 times a year. As kn-online.de reports, air quality is determined based on three values ​​that are important for the health of the population.

The limit values ​​are clearly defined: values ​​above 200 micrograms per cubic meter for nitrogen dioxide and 100 micrograms for fine dust are considered very bad. The situation is particularly worse for sensitive people, who should avoid physical activity outdoors during this time. If the values ​​remain below the limits, the assessment looks better and outdoor activity is advised.

Current pollutant concentrations

What exactly are the current pollutant concentrations? The Schleswig-Holstein environmental portal contains the latest data provided by the Open Data Schleswig-Holstein platform. Here, citizens can download various information, ranging from maps of the measurement locations to graphical representations of air pollutant concentrations. These data are to be classified as preliminary and will be reviewed regularly before a final assessment is made. The website schleswig-holstein.de provides all the necessary information for anyone interested in finding out about air quality in the region.

In the EU, air pollution is a pressing problem that not only affects our health but can also seriously damage our ecosystem. The EU Environment Agency has reported that deaths from particulate matter in the European Union were reduced by 45% from 2005 to 2022, progress that shows there are also positive trends. Yet countless people die every year due to excessive exposure to particulate matter, ozone and nitrogen dioxide. It is estimated that around 239,000 people in the EU died in 2022 due to particulate matter alone, 70,000 from ozone and 48,000 from nitrogen dioxide. According to eea.europa.eu, urgent measures to improve air quality are essential to achieve the EU goals.

Health risks and recommendations

But what do we do when the air is bad? If the values ​​are very poor, sensitive people should avoid any physical exertion outdoors. These recommendations are not only important but also necessary to minimize health risks. If the measurements are less serious, health experts classify outdoor activities as harmless. Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to the values ​​and to inform yourself regularly.

The connection between health impairments caused by pollutants in the air and daily activities should always be consciously recognized. The next few years will be crucial in maintaining the established limit values ​​and thus protecting the health of the population.