Increased particulate matter levels in Germany: causes, effects and solutions

The current particulate matter pollution in Germany has reached worrying levels in many regions. The east and north of the country are particularly affected, where measuring stations of the Federal Environment Agency have recorded increased particulate matter concentrations for several days. This development is due to a combination of unfavorable weather conditions and increased emissions.

Why is particulate matter pollution currently so high?

The increased particulate matter pollution in Germany is due to several factors:

• Weather conditions: A stable high pressure system with little wind and no precipitation leads to pollutants accumulating near the ground. Inversion weather conditions in particular prevent the air from rising and mixing. Another factor is the air currents from neighboring countries to the east, such as Poland and the Czech Republic, which transport additional pollutants to Germany. In these countries, coal is increasingly used for heating, which increases the emission of fine dust particles.
• Heating behaviour: In the winter months, wood and coal are increasingly used for heating, which releases additional fine dust particles into the air.
• Road traffic: Especially in urban areas, exhaust fumes from cars, especially diesel vehicles, contribute significantly to particulate matter pollution.

What are the effects particulates on health?

particulates , especially the small particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause health problems. The main effects are:

• Respiratory problems such as cough, asthma and bronchitis
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Irritation of the eyes, nose and throat
• Long-term exposure can increase the risk of cancer

The Federal Environment Agency warns that sensitive people may experience adverse health effects. They should avoid physically strenuous outdoor activities. Children, the elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly affected.

Which regions are particularly affected?

The current air pollution mainly affects the north and east of Germany. Particularly high levels of fine dust were measured in the following federal states:

• Berlin and Brandenburg
• Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
• Lower Saxony, Bremen and Hamburg
• parts of North Rhine-Westphalia

Better air quality is recorded in some regions in southwest Germany, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and southwest Baden-Württemberg, where wind and precipitation remove pollutants from the air more quickly.

Tips for protection against particulates

There are several ways to protect yourself from increased particulate matter pollution:

• Pay attention to air quality values: Apps and websites such as those of the Federal Environment Agency provide information about the current particulate matter pollution in Germany.
• Optimize ventilation: On days with high levels of fine dust, you should limit ventilation to times when pollution is lower.
• Improve indoor air: Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help particulates from the room air.
• Reduce physical activity outdoors: Particularly sensitive people should avoid intensive outdoor activities on days with high levels of fine dust.

Fine dust measurement with the air-Q

The air-Q has a high-precision fine dust sensor that enables detailed fine dust measurements indoors. This device can record and analyze fine dust levels in real time in order to detect peaks in pollution at an early stage. By connecting it to an app, users can access current measurements at any time and receive warnings when fine dust concentrations increase.

Especially in times of increased fine dust pollution, the air-Q helps to take individual protective measures, such as targeted ventilation or the use of air purifiers. Continuous monitoring of air quality can help to avoid health-endangering pollution in the long term.

prospect of improvement

In the coming days, a change in the weather is expected with the arrival of low pressure systems bringing wind and precipitation. This could lead to an improvement in air quality as pollutants are removed from the atmosphere. Until then, sensitive people should reduce physical exertion outdoors and follow the current advice from the Federal Environment Agency.

The current particulate matter pollution highlights the need for long-term measures to reduce emissions. In this context, WWF Germany emphasizes the importance of a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas in order to protect both air quality and the climate in the long term.

For current information on air quality in your region, we recommend consulting the website of the Federal Environment Agency . 

Conclusion

The current high levels of fine dust are a combination of weather conditions and increased emissions in winter. The health effects can be serious, which is why it is important to protect yourself and take long-term measures to reduce air pollution. A fine dust alarm can help to warn people who are particularly at risk. A sustainable transport policy and clean heating methods could help reduce fine dust pollution and improve air quality in Germany in the long term.