Air pollution in Graz: Dangerous values ​​exceed WHO guidelines!

Air pollution in Graz: Dangerous values ​​exceed WHO guidelines!

Graz, Österreich - In Austria, air quality is becoming increasingly worrying! The air limit values ​​for fine dust recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) were exceeded at all measuring points for PM2.5, and in 75 percent of the nitrogen dioxide measuring points, the values ​​are also alarming. According to the Austria Verkehrsclub (VCÖ), the pollutant loads are a serious health risk, which causes 4,500 premature deaths annually. This was recently announced in a press release from the VCÖ.

The situation in Graz particularly stands out: Here, the annual mean for PM2.5 at some measuring points is three times higher than recommended by the WHO. The values ​​are also alarming in other cities such as Linz, St. Pölten and Vienna. The highest nitrogen dioxide loads were measured in VOM on the A12 and Linz. Traffic, especially diesel exhaust gases, is responsible for over half of the nitrogen oxide load. In order to improve air quality, the VCÖ demands strict measures and the immediate decline in pollutant emissions.

urgent need for action

The VCÖ emphasizes that the limit values ​​of the European Union are already too high and are only reduced from 2030. Nevertheless, these new values ​​are still not sufficient to protect the health of the population. Experts like the environmental doctor Hans-Peter Hutter warn that air pollution increases the risk of numerous diseases, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems and even dementia. Time is urged, and immediate measures such as lower speed limits and the promotion of electric vehicles are required to significantly reduce air pollution. The VCÖ emphasizes that a nationwide rethink in traffic policy is necessary to make air cleaner for everyone, as in an edition of Kleine Zeitung was found.

summarized we are faced with a serious health crisis due to a lack of air quality. The VCÖ calls for consistent measures to reduce air loads and protect the health of the population, after all, air is our most important food! This is also made by vcoe.at supported, where the alarming numbers are underlined again.