Air quality in Potsdam: fine -dust values alarming high!

Air quality in Potsdam: fine -dust values alarming high!

What is happening in the air over Potsdam? Today, on July 16, 2025, important data on air quality from the Brandenburg capital were published. Measurement stations in the Potsdam center continuously analyze the air and have placed a special focus on fine dust (PM10). This particle is not only a collective term for the smallest dust particles, but also a serious health risk. The current measurements show that the limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air may not be exceeded every year to ensure that the air quality remains harmless to the population. According to [maz-online.de] (https://www.maz-online.de/lokales/feinstaub-wie-t-die- airqualitaet-in-potsdam-aktuell daten-vom-16-2025-HliWxxxxPwcrjqaaptdi3jcua.html), the fine dust is a decisive factor in the evaluation of the air. Nitrogen dioxide and ozone.

The air quality is divided using specific limit values. There are simple categories from very bad to very good, which are based on the pollutant concentrations. For example, the air is classified as “very bad” when the nitrogen dioxide values are above 200 μg/m³, while “bad” begins at 101-200 μg/m³ and is “powerful” in the zone of 41-100 μg/m³. In “moderate” health effects cannot be completely excluded, while “good” there is no health disadvantages.

fine dust and health

The health risks that assume poor air quality should not be underestimated. According to the European environmental agency, there were 239,000 deaths in the EU in 2022, which were directly due to fine dust. This shows in a dramatic way how big the environmental problem really is. Air quality is often affected, especially in urban areas, which can be dangerous, especially for sensitive people. It is therefore recommended to avoid outdoor activities with very poor air quality.

A current investigation has also shown that air pollution is mainly caused by human activities. It is estimated that around 1,500 tons of fine dust alone are released due to New Year's Eve, which corresponds to 75 percent of the annual fireworks load. Even if this does not seem significant at first glance, the burden over the year adds and influences the general air quality.

Current measured values and outlook

The hourly measurement data on air quality in Brandenburg are published online about 20 minutes after recording and are currently to be regarded as temporary because they are not yet validated. Air Data Brandenburg offers a comprehensive overview of the current measurement values that are updated regularly. It is recommended to keep an eye on the air approval data, especially during critical times on heavy road traffic or in the heating season.

an improvement in air quality is urgently needed. EU-wide goals rely on reducing the deaths through air pollution by 55 percent by 2030. The new air quality regulations, which are closer to the guidelines of the World Health Organization, are intended to help reduce the health effects of air pollution further. It is a big step, but it is a long way to do it until the complete implementation.