Rostock Current: Is the air quality for our health dangerous?

Rostock Current: Is the air quality for our health dangerous?

Holbein-Platz, 18055 Rostock, Deutschland - What concerns us in Germany today? The air quality! On July 10, 2025, the latest measurements show that the air we breathe is harmful to health in many regions. For example, at the measuring station on Holbein-Platz in Rostock, which regularly records the fine dust particles (PM10) per cubic meter of air. These measurements are particularly important because the limit for PM10 is 50 particles per cubic meter and a maximum of 35 exceedances are allowed in one year. Indeed, harmful effects on our health should not be underestimated: In the EU, around 240,000 people die prematurely due to fine dust loads, such as the But that's not all that influences air quality. The measurements show that the air quality is evaluated using three central values: fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. There are different categories that range from "very bad" to "bad" to "very good". The fact that 99 percent of measuring stations in Germany exceed the limit values for fine dust recommended by the WHO. Almost three quarters of the stations also have critical values for nitrogen dioxide. This is confirmed by the German Environmental Aid (DUH), the current figures of which show a nationwide problem of air pollution, especially in cities such as Munich and Essen, where the limit values are still exceeded, such as duh.de reported.

health effects on the population

What does that mean for us? With a "very bad" air quality, it is advisable to avoid physical exertion outdoors. In “poor” quality, sensitive people should refrain from exhausting activities. Although the short -term health effects in the case of "moderate" air quality are unlikely, but particularly sensitive people can be affected. The recommendations are clear: we should be aware of the air quality and adapt our activities accordingly. If one gives the page of the Environmental Federal Office , these values have dropped since the 1990s due to strict emission regulations, but there are still big differences between urban and rural areas.

Clear: fine dust is not only generated by traffic and industry, but also by natural sources and climatic conditions. High values occur particularly in metropolitan areas, where the large number of issuers lead to a stronger load. Many measurement stations report increased PM10 concentrations, especially in phases with high-pressure locations or during winter when dry air often drives up the values.

environmental policy in focus

The DUH therefore calls for a quick reaction from the federal government and urges the fact that limit values are determined according to the WHO recommendations. Half a year after the WHO has drastically lowered the limit values, too high values for fine dust and nitrogen dioxide are still allowed in Germany. It is all the more important that we take measures to improve air quality, because compliance with the recommended values could prevent around 28,900 early deaths due to fine dust and 10,000 by nitrogen dioxide, as the DUH represents.

air quality is more than just an environmental problem, it is a health question that affects us all. Stay attentive and take into account the recommendations of the experts, because your health depends on the air you breathe.