Bad air in Rostock? Fine dust values ​​endanger health!

Bad air in Rostock? Fine dust values ​​endanger health!

In the current discussion about air quality in urban areas, the fine dust pollution is at the top of the agenda. As the measuring station on Holbein-Platz in Rostock shows, the situation should not be underestimated. On July 3, 2025, fine dust particles were measured there, the limit of which should not be exceeded by 50 particles per cubic meter of air. The EU, on the other hand, allows this value to be exceeded a maximum of 35 times annually, which makes it clear how important regular checks are. Reports from the Ostsee-Zeitung illuminate the explosive of the topic.

Air quality is not only measured on the basis of fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone also play a central role. Values ​​of over 200 μg/m³ for nitrogen dioxide can already be harmful to health. Microscopically small particles from the air can cause serious illnesses, so that recommendations in poor air quality are essential. Sensitive people are advised to do without sports outdoors even in "bad" conditions.

Current limit values ​​and their effects

But what do the numbers say in detail? According to the EU directive, there are different categories for air quality:

• "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
• "good": no health -related effects to be expected
• "very good": best conditions for outdoor activities

The comparisons with earlier years are equally decaying. According to the Environmental Federal Office , the PM10 annual means of around 50 µg/m³ have decreased to between 15 and 20 µg/m³ in the 1990s. Thanks to a variety of measures to reduce emissions, especially from traffic and industry, Germany has achieved a noticeable decline in air pollutants.

The role of natural and human factors

Nevertheless, not only the dry statistics have to be considered. Pollutants, which are both natural and human origin, significantly influence the air quality. According to reports from Statista , emissions have dropped by around 64 % in the past 30 years, even if in urban areas are still determined. This shows that despite all progress, the problem of air pollution is far from solved.

In some cities, especially during dry seasons or in the hot summer months, the fine dust pollution can rise slightly. For example, on January 23, 2017, 56 % of the measuring points climbed the values ​​over the recommended limit values. Here it is important to stay vigilant and prevent measures to improve air quality.

Would you like to do something for your health? Pay attention to the air quality, especially on days with poorer evaluation. So you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the negative effects of air pollution!