Air quality in Stralsund: fine dust levels alarm residents!

On January 10, 2025, current air quality measurements were published in Stralsund. The measuring station at Knieperdamm recorded fine dust particles (PM10) per cubic meter of air. The limit value for PM10 is 50 particles per cubic meter, although this value may be exceeded a maximum of 35 times per year. Air quality is measured using three values: particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.

The established limits for air quality classify the quality into different categories. “Very poor” is defined as nitrogen dioxide above 200 μg/m³, particulate matter above 100 μg/m³ and ozone above 240 μg/m³. The “poor” category includes nitrogen dioxide between 101 and 200 μg/m³, particulate matter between 51 and 100 μg/m³ and ozone between 181 and 240 μg/m³. Values ​​between 41 and 100 μg/m³ nitrogen dioxide, 35 and 50 μg/m³ fine dust and 121 to 180 μg/m³ ozone are classified as “moderate”.

Particulate matter pollution and health effects

Specific recommendations have been made regarding the health effects. If the air quality is “very poor,” sensitive people should avoid physical exertion outdoors. If the air quality is “poor,” it is advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. With “moderate” air quality, short-term health effects are unlikely, but possible for sensitive people. However, with “good” and “very good” air quality, no adverse health effects are to be expected.

A not insignificant factor that contributes to fine dust pollution is the fireworks on New Year's Eve. Around 2,050 tons of fine dust are released on New Year's Eve, of which 1,500 tons, i.e. 75%, are generated during the night itself. These fine dust particles are tiny, invisible dust particles that can be harmful to your health.

In addition to the local measurements, a comprehensive report on fine dust pollution in Germany was also published. Accordingly, the Federal Environment Agency has been recording fine dust measurements for PM10 since 2000 and for PM2.5 since 2008. High measurement network densities exist particularly in metropolitan areas, where many emitters such as traffic and industry contribute to the burden.

The annual average PM10 values ​​have decreased since the 1990s from around 50 µg/m³ to between 15 and 20 µg/m³ today. While the limit values ​​for PM10 of 40 µg/m³ have not been exceeded since 2012, daily average values ​​of 50 µg/m³ may be exceeded on a maximum of 35 days per year. However, high PM10 concentrations can occur especially in dry winters and hot summers, such as in 2017.

These data highlight the relevance of PM10 and PM2.5 in air pollution control and the potential health effects of long-term particulate matter exposure, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. The measurements in Germany are carried out at around 200 stations in order to obtain a comprehensive picture of air quality.