Alarming air quality in Brandenburg: fine dust levels extremely high!

Alarming air quality in Brandenburg: fine dust levels extremely high!

On July 19, 2025, the air quality measurements were carried out in Brandenburg an der Havel, specifically at the Werner-Seelenbinder sports field. The values ​​for fine dust, measured in PM10 particles, were alarmingly high at 100 µg/m³. This means we have a clear indication of “very poor” air quality, because the limit value for these particles is 50 µg/m³ and may be exceeded a maximum of 35 times per year. This means that not only the citizens of Cologne, but also the people of Brandenburg are facing health challenges, because maz-online.de reports that such values are also common in larger metropolitan areas in Germany.

The measured values ​​show that air pollution from fine dust and nitrogen dioxide remains worrying almost across the board. The limit value for nitrogen dioxide is 200 µg/m³, and this is also expected to be exceeded in the room. According to the Federal Environment Agency, fine dust pollution in Germany has been continuously reduced since 2000 and is now at annual averages of between 15 and 20 µg/m³, which represents a considerable improvement. But the current peak values ​​show that there is still a lot to be done to significantly improve air quality, as umweltbundesamt.de states.

Fine dust and its effects

Fine dust is created not only by traffic and industry, but also by natural sources such as volcanoes. In cities, road traffic is one of the most important sources. Be it diesel exhaust fumes or dust from passing cars, the health consequences should not be underestimated. The Federal Environment Agency warns that fine dust can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. What is particularly worrying is that, according to new data from German Environmental Aid, the limit values ​​for particulate matter recommended by the WHO are exceeded at almost all measuring stations duh.de.

We all have a duty to look after our own health: If the air quality is “very poor”, sensitive people should avoid physical exertion outdoors. If the air is “bad,” the rest of the population should also act carefully and reduce outdoor activities. It's actually a shame that we have to forgo outdoor activities in summer when the weather is so nice.

Fireworks and fine dust pollution

Also interesting is the discussion about fireworks, which only cause short-term high levels of fine dust pollution on New Year's Eve. It is estimated that the fireworks on New Year's Eve contribute around 1,500 tons of fine dust to air pollution. In the overall balance, however, this only corresponds to around 1% of the annual fine dust emissions in Germany. Nevertheless, the effects are clear, especially when there are unfavorable weather conditions that can further increase the fine dust concentration maz-online.de.

With a clear appeal to politicians, Deutsche Umwelthilfe is calling on the federal government to tighten the air quality guidelines and to actively participate in the negotiations in the interest of the health of the population. Compliance with the WHO limit values ​​could prevent thousands of premature deaths from fine dust and nitrogen dioxide in Germany every year. Healthy air should be a top priority for all of us, because the best view starts with clean breathing air!