Red alert: Air quality in Kiel – What you need to know now!

Red alert: Air quality in Kiel – What you need to know now!

Air quality in Germany is an issue that affects us all. The current measurement data for fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone are also of great importance in Kiel. On September 13, 2025, interesting values ​​were published from the measuring station on Bahnhofstrasse. Loud kn online the limit value for PM10, which is set at 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, exceeds the permitted number of 35 exceedances per year.

The values ​​show the impact of air improvements in recent decades. There have already been fewer periods of smog in the past, which were associated with increased mortality and illness rates. However, it is important to emphasize that the current EU limits are not yet sufficient to completely avoid health risks such as this Federal Environment Agency explained. Further attention should be paid to the health effects that can be negatively influenced by increased fine dust and ozone.

Health consequences

Air pollutants are no small culprit when it comes to our health. Nitrogen dioxide, which is mainly caused by traffic, can be particularly problematic for asthmatics. The health effects should not be underestimated, because according to the World Health Organization (WHO) it has been shown that high ozone levels can cause respiratory problems, which are also noticeable during physical exertion. From an ozone value of 180 µg/m³, behavioral recommendations are urgently recommended Federal Environment Agency.

Long-term exposures are also a concern because ultrafine particles can not only affect the respiratory tract but also enter the bloodstream. Current studies show that at least 239,000 people in the EU died from the health consequences of fine dust in 2022, making the need for action all the more clear. According to the European Environment Agency Air pollution remains the biggest environmental health risk in Europe.

EU regulations and outlook

New air quality regulations and recent changes to EU directives are intended to help further improve air quality and reduce health risks. It is hoped that these adjustments will bring the precarious situation under control and further reduce the number of premature deaths. The EU's goal is to achieve a 55% reduction in fine dust deaths by 2030. This shows that positive developments can already be observed, even if there is still a long way to go.

Of particular note, the link between better air quality and reduced health effects from long-term exposure is becoming clearer. It remains to be hoped that the numbers will continue to fall in the future and that we can breathe deeply in nature without any health risks. For all of us in Kiel and beyond, this is a small challenge, but also a big opportunity.