Air quality in Stralsund: Fine dust values alert residents!

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

The specified limit values for air quality classify the quality in different categories. "Very bad" is defined as nitrogen dioxide over 200 μg/m³, fine dust over 100 μg/m³ and ozone over 240 μg/m³. The "bad" category includes nitrogen dioxide between 101 and 200 μg/m³, fine dust 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".

fine dust pollution and health effects

The health effects have been given specific recommendations. With "very bad" air quality, sensitive people should avoid physical exertion outdoors. In the case of "bad" air quality, strenuous activities outdoors are advised. In the case of “moderate” air quality, short -term health effects are unlikely, but possible for sensitive people. In the case of "good" and "very good" air quality, however, no health -related effects can be expected.

A not inconsiderable factor that contributes to fine dust pollution is the fireworks on New Year's Eve. On New Year's Eve, around 2050 tons of fine dust are released, of which 1,500 tons, i.e. 75%, arise at night itself. These fine dust particles are tiny, invisible dust particles that can be harmful to health.

In addition to the local measurements, a comprehensive report on fine dust loads in Germany was also published. Accordingly, the Federal Environment Agency has been capturing fine dust measurements for PM10 since 2000 and for PM2.5 since 2008. High measuring network densities exist in particular in metropolitan areas, where many issuers such as traffic and industry contribute to stress.

The PM10 annual means have decreased from around 50 µg/m³ to between 15 and 20 µg/m³ since the 1990s. 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 for a maximum of 35 days a year. However, high PM10 concentrations can occur particularly in dry winters and hot summers, such as in 2017.

This data underline the relevance of PM10 and PM2.5 in air resistance policy and the possible health effects of long-term fine dust pollution, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. The measurements in Germany are at around 200 stations to get a comprehensive image of air quality.