Fine dust alarm in Potsdam: Current air quality under the microscope!

Fine dust alarm in Potsdam: Current air quality under the microscope!

On December 23, 2024, the air quality in Potsdam shows alarming values. The measuring station in the city center records fine dust pollution, although the critical limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air must not be exceeded. Up to 35 exceedances per year are permitted, but current values ​​often exceed the limit of 100 μg/m³, which is classified as “bad” air, while at values ​​of 200 μg/m³ and above, the air quality is considered “very poor”. MAZ Online reported.

Air quality metrics and challenges

Comprehensive fine dust measurements have been carried out in Germany since 2000, with increased PM10 concentrations being found, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Potsdam. These particles come primarily from traffic, industry and domestic combustion. While the annual average PM10 values ​​in rural areas are 15 to 20 μg/m³, the values ​​in urban regions are often significantly higher. Despite the general decrease in particulate matter emissions over the past few decades, current trends show that no more exceedances of the limit value were reported in 2023 Federal Environment Agency confirmed.

The effects of fine dust pollution are serious: In the long term, it can lead to cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. In the case of acute stress, especially in dry winters or at high temperatures, there is a high risk of the limit value being significantly exceeded. In addition to natural sources such as volcanic eruptions, the human influence through traffic and industry is gigantic. The Federal Environment Agency recommends that people with respiratory diseases avoid physical exertion outdoors in “poor” or “very poor” air quality.