Air quality in Rostock: Are the fine dust levels boiling over?

Air quality in Rostock: Are the fine dust levels boiling over?

We are currently experiencing a strange situation: The air quality in Rostock will be examined more closely today, August 11, 2025. The values ​​for fine dust (PM10), nitrogen dioxide and ozone were recorded at the measuring station at Holbein-Platz. These three parameters are crucial for evaluating breathing in the Hanseatic city. Considering that the limit value for PM10 is 50 particles per cubic meter, this can only be exceeded 35 times a year. But what is the real state of the air in the Rostock area? Ostsee-Zeitung gives a detailed insight here.

The criteria for assessing air quality are clearly defined: values ​​above 200 μg/m³ for nitrogen dioxide, 100 μg/m³ for fine dust and more than 240 μg/m³ for ozone are considered “very poor”. Even though the numbers are often upwards, we should be aware that over 240,000 people in the EU die every year as a result of fine dust. These numbers are alarming and show that air quality affects us all.

What do the measurement data say?

According to air quality data from IQAir Rostock was rated in terms of air quality in the real-time AQI⁺ ranking. Here, Holbeinplatz currently ranks fourth among five measuring stations in Rostock. The list is topped by Rostock-Hohe Düne, followed by Warnemünde and Am Strande. A look at the traffic density and the weather situation could provide further information about the respective values ​​and shows how important local measuring stations are.

The health recommendations for poor air quality listed by the Ostsee-Zeitung are particularly interesting. In “very bad” air, sensitive people should avoid currents. Living in a city doesn't necessarily have to be negatively affected, but it does raise the question: How do you deal with these health challenges?

A look outside the box

The Austrian one German environmental aid reports that the WHO health limits are exceeded at 99% of the measuring stations for fine dust. These findings clearly show that air pollution is not just a local problem, but a widespread phenomenon. The DUH's demand that the limit values ​​be brought into line with the WHO recommendations by the beginning of 2025 could save lives.

The values ​​are particularly critical in cities like Munich and Essen, where the limit values ​​continue to be exceeded. Meanwhile, fine dust levels in Germany, which according to the WHO should not exceed 5 µg/m³, are still permitted and are up to 25 µg/m³ locally. This raises questions: What measures need to be taken to improve the quality of life in our cities?

Anyone who keeps an eye on current developments and measurements will realize that the issue of air quality in Rostock and beyond affects us all. Not only is the health of citizens at stake, the quality of life is also threatened by constantly rising values. The next period could be decisive for how we live in our cities.