Due to the high volume of traffic and the mass of people, the air in large cities is enriched with high levels of pollutants that pose a serious health risk! In addition to the high volume of traffic, power and district heating plants, heating systems and metal and steel production cause air pollution in large cities. In these conurbations, a large number of pollutants enter the air and whirl around as tiny particles. Primarily particulatesand nitrogen oxides thus minimise air quality.
What are the health consequences of air pollution in big cities?
Air pollution in large cities has a proven effect on the cardiovascular system and can lead to chronic diseases. Particularly the small particulate matter particles reach the cardiovascular system via our respiratory organs - the smaller they are, the further they penetrate. While particulateswith a particle size of 5 to 10 µm can only penetrate as far as the nasopharynx, particles of 3 µm already reach the bronchial tubes. Even smaller particles make it into the lung tissue and settle in the alveoli (pulmonary alveoli). From here, the particles can either be broken down only very slowly, but often they cannot be removed at all.
It is also assumed that ultraparticulate matter particles can also reach the brain via the olfactory nerve. Here, the pollutants influence cognitive performance by two percent per microgram particulatesmore in the air. For this reason, ultrafine particles are also considered to promote dementia.
Since particulatesalso attaches itself to pollen, the particles also enter the body via the pollen count. Since they can intensify the allergenic effect, asthmatics and hay fever patients are particularly affected by the effects of air pollution.
In which major German city is there the greatest air pollution?
We have analysed the annual balance sheets of the Federal Environment Agency and examined 10 major cities with particularly poor air quality for their particulates- and nitrogen oxide values. This is our ranking:
In the ranking, Berlin shows the highest particulate matter values for both the larger PM₁₀ and the smaller PM₂,₅ particles. Essen follows closely in terms of particulate matter levels. Berlin also shows high values for nitrogen dioxide with 38 µm/m³. Stuttgart, however, reaches 39 and Munich even 51 µm/m³.
But it is not only the big cities themselves that are affected. Wind and precipitation cause particulatesand Co. to travel many kilometres beyond the urban boundaries and into the rural hinterland.
How can you protect yourself from air pollution in big cities?
However, simply keeping the window closed in large cities does not protect against low air quality. This is because the air quality of urban outdoor air is usually still many times better than indoors, despite air pollution. The reason: outdoor air renews itself as it circulates. This is not the case indoors. Here, the air quality decreases without air exchange. To know when the pollutant load increases and the air quality reaches critical values, an air measuring device such as the air-Q is recommended. The air-Q reliably monitors particulatesand nitrogen dioxide and warns you when action is needed.
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(Contributed image: kavalenkava/ Shutterstock)
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