Air quality in Kiel: Is the air we breathe dangerous or harmless?

Air quality in Kiel: Is the air we breathe dangerous or harmless?

The air quality in Kiel reached some worrying levels on December 18, 2024. The fine dust particles in the PM10 size class were measured in Bahnhofstrasse, with the crucial limit value of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air being determined. According to EU guidelines, if this value is exceeded, countermeasures must be taken after just 35 occurrences per year in order to avoid penalties. The measuring station clearly shows how critical the situation is, as bad air is a serious problem for both the environment and people's health KN online reported.

The values ​​are alarming: over 240,000 premature deaths in the EU can be attributed to the influence of fine dust. Particulate matter is not only primary pollution from traffic and industry, but also secondary particulate matter, which arises from chemical reactions in the atmosphere Federal Environment Agency explained. Particularly dangerous are PM10 and PM2.5 particles, which penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and can cause serious health risks, including respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems. Anyone who belongs to the particularly sensitive groups or already has respiratory diseases should avoid physical exertion outdoors if the air quality is poor.

The air measuring stations also provide an outlook on the future development of air quality. In metropolitan areas, road traffic emissions, especially from diesel engines, are the main source of these harmful particles. In view of the values ​​determined, the question arises as to what measures the city of Kiel can take to sustainably improve air quality and protect the health of its citizens. If the values ​​continue to rise, there are not only health risks, but also legal consequences for the city, which has to comply with EU regulations.