Air quality alarm in Rostock: Fine dust values exceed limit values!

Air quality alarm in Rostock: Fine dust values exceed limit values!

What about the air quality in our area? On July 17, 2025, the current measured values at the measuring station on Holbein-Platz in Rostock were published, which provide information about the load on fine dust (pm10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). These three values are crucial to evaluate air quality and recognize possible health risks. The data show that the limit for PM10 of 50 particles per cubic meter may not be exceeded more than 35 times a year, which is a significant challenge in highly urbanized areas. According to [Ostsee-Zeitung] (https://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/lokales/rostock-gut-t-t-aktuell-die-feuft-ozon-and-host-more dats-57-2025-m5j4dpmk4tgnvqy65kgyfcq.html) be serious, with the EU recording around 240,000 premature deaths due to fine dust.

Overall, the condition of the air quality is assessed based on the three pollutants mentioned. The limit values are defined as follows:

• "very bad":
  - nitrogen dioxide:> 200 μg /m³
  - Fine dust:> 100 μg /m³
  - ozone:> 240 μg/m³
• "bad":
  -nitrogen dioxide: 101-200 μg /m³
  -fine dust: 51-100 μg /m³
  -Ozone: 181-240 μg/m³
• "moderate":
  -nitrogen dioxide: 41-100 μg /m³
  -fine dust: 35-50 μg /m³
  -Ozone: 121-180 μg/m³

The health effects

The effects of air pollution on health should not be underestimated. Studies show that long-term exposure to fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone can lead to an increase in respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases. According to the Federal Environment Agency, the PM10 pollution has decreased in Germany in recent years. The average annual values are now between 15 and 20 μg/m³, a gratifying decline compared to 50 μg/m³ in the 1990s.

Especially in metropolitan areas, concentrations have increased strongly in the past, while they are lower in rural areas. An interesting point: In 2006 there were significant exceedance of the specified limit values. But the situation has stabilized since 2012, and in 2023 the limit values at all measuring stations were observed.

measures and recommendations

Another aspect that should not be left out are the emissions that arise from New Year's fireworks. Around 1,500 tons of fine dust are released on New Year's Eve annually, which is 75% of the total annual fireworks load. These particles are harmful to health and consist of tiny, invisible dust particles that can get into the airways.