Alarming levels of fine dust in Potsdam: That's how dangerous the air is today!

Alarming levels of fine dust in Potsdam: That's how dangerous the air is today!

Air quality in Potsdam remains an important issue, especially at a time when health impacts from air pollution are becoming increasingly clear. As maz-online reports, the air quality in the center of Potsdam is measured continuously and particularly records fine dust levels (PM10). The limit value for PM10 is 50 micrograms per cubic meter and may be exceeded a maximum of 35 times per year. These values ​​are crucial because they are directly linked to the health of the population.

Air quality is determined by three main values: particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. The evaluation is carried out in different categories – from “very bad” to “very good” – with nitrogen dioxide values ​​above 200 µg/m³ being considered dangerous. In the EU, according to the Environment Agency, there were an estimated 239,000 deaths in 2022 due to particulate matter, while ozone and nitrogen dioxide also pose significant risks. The new EU Air Quality Directive, in force since December 10, 2024, aims to address these problems.

Current measurements and their meaning

Measurements are taken hourly, with the results available around 20 minutes after the measurement, but preliminary measurements are not yet suitable for further processing, as the Luftdatenportal Brandenburg explains. Although changes are possible at any time, final results are only published in annual reports after comprehensive quality assurance. This step-by-step validation is important to ensure a reliable basis for decisions affecting air quality.

The health and environmental impacts of air pollution should not be underestimated: long-term exposure to fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone correlates with serious health risks. In fact, fine dust deaths fell by 45% from 2005 to 2022, while the EU has set a target to reduce fine dust deaths by a further 55% by 2030. Despite these positive trends, air pollution remains the biggest environmental health risk in Europe.

Recommendations for the population

What does this mean for the people of Potsdam? If air quality is poor, sensitive people should avoid physical exertion outdoors. At moderate levels, short-term health effects are unlikely, but caution should be taken here too. Aiming for “very good”, citizens should actively adapt their outdoor activities accordingly to minimize health risks.

In addition to everyday factors such as traffic and industrial emissions, the annual New Year's Eve fireworks display also has an impact on air quality, with around 1,500 tonnes of particulate matter being released that night. According to maz-online, however, this plays a minor role compared to year-round exposure, as weather-related inversions can greatly increase the exposure. It is therefore important to take such seasonal aspects into account when it comes to air quality.

Potsdam is faced with the tension between, on the one hand, protecting the daily lives of its citizens and, on the other hand, counteracting health risks caused by air pollution. Continuous efforts to improve air quality are essential, but the responsibility also lies with citizens to work together to create a better future.