Alarming air quality in Stralsund: fine dust levels exceeded!

Alarming air quality in Stralsund: fine dust levels exceeded!

The air quality in Stralsund is currently being monitored critically, as the measuring station at Knieperdamm shows. On June 13, 2025, the focus was on the measured values ​​for fine dust particles (PM10), with the limit of 50 particles per cubic meter being allowed to be exceeded on up to 35 days per year. The condition of the air is assessed not only by fine dust, but also by nitrogen dioxide and ozone; certain limit values ​​are assigned to these factors, which influence the air quality. Loud Baltic Sea newspaper Accurate recording and monitoring of air quality is essential for the health of the population.

But what are the exact limits that are important for all of us? Let's take a look at the classification:

• „Sehr schlecht“: Stickstoffdioxid > 200 µg/m³, Feinstaub > 100 µg/m³, Ozon > 240 µg/m³.
• „Schlecht“: Stickstoffdioxid 101-200 µg/m³, Feinstaub 51-100 µg/m³, Ozon 181-240 µg/m³.
• „Mäßig“: Stickstoffdioxid 41-100 µg/m³, Feinstaub 35-50 µg/m³, Ozon 121-180 µg/m³.
• „Gut“: Keine gesundheitlich nachteiligen Wirkungen.
• „Sehr gut“: Beste Voraussetzungen für Aktivitäten im Freien.

Fine dust in Germany: An alarming picture

Air quality is not just an issue in Stralsund, but throughout Germany. According to that Federal Environment Agency In recent years, annual average PM10 values ​​have fallen to between 15 and 20 µg/m³ - far less than the 50 µg/m³ from the 1990s. Despite this positive development, polluted air remains a serious health risk. Fine dust can cause respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases, with particle size playing a crucial role.

German Environmental Aid (DUH) recently published alarming results showing that 99 percent of measuring stations in Germany exceed the WHO recommendation of 5 µg/m³ for fine dust. What is particularly shocking is that almost three quarters of the measuring stations exceed the health-damaging level of 10 µg/m³ for nitrogen dioxide. According to DUH Compliance with WHO limits could prevent 28,900 premature deaths from fine dust every year.

Air quality recommendations

What should citizens do if air quality deteriorates? If the air is “very bad,” physical exertion outdoors should be avoided. People with respiratory illnesses or other sensitivities need to be particularly careful. Efforts should also be avoided with “bad” air, while with “moderate” air short-term health effects are unlikely, but should still be taken into account.

Even if fireworks on New Year's Eve can cause a brief increase in particulate matter pollution, this does not have a significant impact on overall pollution over the course of the year. Fireworks release around 2,050 tonnes of fine dust every year, 75 percent of which occurs on New Year's Eve alone. Weather conditions in particular can significantly influence these fine dust concentrations. Collecting such data helps monitor air quality and take timely action.

Awareness of air quality is not only a health issue, but also a social issue that affects each of us. Collective action is needed to clean the air and protect the health of the population.