Red alert: Is Brandenburg air becoming a health risk?

Red alert: Is Brandenburg air becoming a health risk?

When air quality is measured in Brandenburg an der Havel, all eyes are on the data from the local measuring station at the Werner-Seelenbinder sports field. Today, September 20, 2025, the air in the region is still heavily influenced by fine dust. According to current values, air pollution by PM10 particles is more than 50 micrograms per cubic meter, which exceeds the limit value at this point. This number means that the air quality is classified as “poor”, so sensitive people in particular should be careful to avoid physical exertion outdoors. The EU estimates that 240,000 premature deaths in Europe each year are due to particulate matter, underlining the urgency and importance of these measurements.

The Federal Environment Agency points out that the current measured values ​​ring an alarm bell not only in Brandenburg, but in many regions of Germany. Fine dust levels are high throughout the country and many measuring stations show a critical index. The causes for this often lie in emissions from traffic, industry and heating with wood stoves, especially in the colder months. A quick look at the Umweltbundesamt shows that exposure to various pollutants is continuously monitored in order to protect the health of citizens.

Measuring methods and limit values

The air quality measurement is carried out several times a day and records not only fine dust, but also nitrogen dioxide and ozone. In order to correctly assess the air quality, various limit values ​​are used: If the value for fine dust is over 100 μg/m³, the quality is classified as “very poor”. What is also interesting is the methodological approach: the hourly average is used for nitrogen dioxide and ozone, while an hourly daily moving average is used for fine dust in order to provide precise data. The European limit allows the daily limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter to be exceeded a maximum of 35 times per year.

Particulate matter levels are often alarmingly high, particularly in urban areas and metropolitan areas. The extent of the pollution is clearly shown on one of the interactive maps of the air data portal, which is fed by various measuring stations. A look at the Tagesschau from February shows that many regions are in a critical situation, especially the east and north of the country. Winter high-pressure weather conditions also contribute to pollutants stagnating in the air and not being able to disperse sufficiently.

Recommendations and implications

For citizens, this means: Poor air quality is not a reason to panic, but a call for caution. If the values ​​are “bad”, risk groups such as children and asthmatics in particular should refrain from going outdoors. The recommendations for different air quality levels are clear and should be followed. If the air quality is classified as “moderate”, the risks to the general public are rather low, but sensitive people may still have reactions.

In addition to the everyday challenges, New Year's Eve in particular brings with it high levels of particulate matter. An estimated 1,500 tons of particulate matter will be released that night, representing 75% of the annual release from fireworks. However, these temporary burdens only have a minimal influence on the annual average value. Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to air quality, even on festive occasions.

Looking at air quality shows that we still have a long way to go to reach legal limits through continuous improvement and public awareness. Continuous reporting and publication of data on air quality by institutions such as the Federal Environment Agency are crucial for a healthier use of our air. There are also regular evaluations of the air pollution situation from previous years, which provide some insightful information.