Air quality in Potsdam: Fine dust warning for sensitive groups!

Air quality in Potsdam: Fine dust warning for sensitive groups!

Air quality in many cities remains a hot topic that is of great importance not only from an environmental perspective, but also from a health perspective. A look at the current situation shows that in Potsdam, specifically at the central measuring station, the air quality currently requires special attention. On September 30, 2025, the measuring station recorded temperatures for particulate matter (PM10) that should not be ignored. According to maz-online.de the permissible limit value for PM10 is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, which is not more than may be exceeded 35 times a year.

Air quality is continuously measured by the levels of fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone, and the health risks if exceeded are considerable. The following categories apply to fine dust: Above 100 μg/m³ means very bad, while 51 to 100 μg/m³ can already be classified as bad. What remains particularly alarming is the fact that, despite improvements over the last two decades, air pollution remains the biggest environmental health problem in Europe. The European Environment Agency reports an estimated 239,000 deaths in the EU in 2022 due to particulate matter.

Current measured values ​​and their effects

The hourly measurement data in Brandenburg, which luftdaten.brandenburg.de provides, shows that changes are possible at any time and the information is provisional. A detailed analysis and final results after quality assurance are only published in the annual report. However, it is important that the population is informed of these preliminary values ​​in order to make personal decisions about outdoor activities.

In case of poor air quality, especially with values ​​of more than 200 μg/m³ for nitrogen dioxide or more than 100 μg/m³ for particulate matter, it is recommended to avoid physical exertion outdoors. The recommendations are aimed at protecting particularly sensitive people. The importance of these warnings should not be underestimated, as even moderate air quality levels can have long-term health effects.

Long-term developments and goals

The EU has set itself ambitious goals to reduce particulate matter pollution by 55 percent by 2030. There has already been a 45 percent decline in deaths due to PM2.5 over the past 17 years. The current set of EU regulations, which are generally seen as progress, have been in force since December 10, 2024. These new standards, which are closer to WHO recommendations, are a major step forward to sustainably improve air quality in Europe European Environment Agency.

It remains to be seen how the annual measurement data will show progress in air quality. Citizens' awareness and adaptation of individual behavior are crucial in order to actually make the positive effects of political measures noticeable. Given the health risks posed by air pollution, it is time to take action and fight for better air.