Air quality in Hanover: How dangerous is fine dust really?

Air quality in Hanover: How dangerous is fine dust really?

On December 15, 2024, the air quality measuring station on Göttinger Straße in Hanover presented alarming values ​​for fine dust. The key limit for PM10 is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, which cannot be exceeded more than 35 times a year to avoid EU penalties like this Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung (HAZ) reported. If these values ​​are exceeded, the air quality is classified as “poor” or even “very poor”, which can result in serious health problems for the population. In particular, people with previous respiratory illnesses should avoid physical exertion outdoors in such situations.

A look at the health risks shows that fine dust is produced by various sources, especially road traffic. This consists of tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and cause various health problems. According to that Federal Environment Agency The health consequences depend on the size of the particles. PM10 can enter the nasal cavity, PM2.5 can reach the bronchi, while ultrafine particles can even penetrate the bloodstream. The corresponding limit values ​​for PM10 must be adhered to throughout Europe since January 1, 2005 in order to protect the health of the population.

Despite better air conditions in some regions, 240,000 people in the EU continue to die prematurely due to fine dust pollution. This burden is not just a local but a European problem that must be urgently addressed to protect the health of the population and prevent life-threatening health consequences.