Hanover on October 8th, 2025: How is our air quality?

Hanover on October 8th, 2025: How is our air quality?

On October 8, 2025, air quality in Hanover will receive particular attention. According to a current measurement from Göttinger Straße in Linden-Süd, the fine dust particles (PM10) are recorded per cubic meter of air. The limit value for PM10 is 50 micrograms per cubic meter, although this may be exceeded up to 35 times per year according to the regulations. Experts report that air quality is measured by three main metrics: particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. In this context, there are specific limit values ​​that classify the condition of the air.

The limit scale ranges from “very bad” to “very good”. In the “very poor” category, the values ​​for nitrogen dioxide are over 200 µg/m³, for fine dust over 100 µg/m³ and for ozone over 240 µg/m³. For “poor” air quality, the corresponding values ​​are 101-200 µg/m³ (nitrogen dioxide), 51-100 µg/m³ (fine dust) and 181-240 µg/m³ (ozone).

Relevant measurements and recommendations

What is particularly striking is the fact that 240,000 premature deaths are caused by particulate matter every year in the EU. If the air quality is poor, experts recommend that sensitive people avoid physical exertion outdoors. If the quality is “moderate”, health effects are unlikely, but cannot be ruled out for sensitive people. A “good” result signals that no adverse health effects are to be expected. Finally, a result classified as “very good” offers the best conditions for outdoor activities, a point that is of greatest interest to many city dwellers.

Statistics show that fireworks release around 2,050 tonnes of fine dust on New Year's Eve, with 75% of this occurring on New Year's Eve. This raises the question of how much we are even willing to risk for our air quality.

Urban rankings and developments

In a current real-time AQI⁺ city ranking for Germany, Hanover is in one of the top places, surpassed by cities like Dortmund and Kehl. Across the respective measuring stations, there is a difference in air quality between locations. Hannover Verkehr, Hannover Station and Herderstrasse top the list, which underlines the need for action to improve air quality. Is the air really as bad as the numbers suggest?

At a nationwide level, a report from the Federal Environment Agency shows that all limit values ​​were met in 2024. This is attributed to targeted air pollution control measures at various political levels. The introduction of stricter guidelines from 2030 should help to sustainably improve air quality, especially through measures that reduce emissions from the transport sector.

But despite the positive development, there is still no reason to relax. The nationwide air quality index, announced for 2025, will serve as a new tool to inform the public, especially for vulnerable groups. Despite all of this, the long-term plan remains to adapt the limit values ​​to the WHO recommendations and thus tackle a real improvement in air quality by 2050.

Find out about the latest developments and stay healthy as we work towards better air quality. Further information can be found in the reports from HAZ, IQAir and the Federal Environment Agency.

For more details click on the links: HAZ, IQAir, Federal Environment Agency.