Kiel: Red alert! Fine dust and ozone levels are rising rapidly!

Kiel: Red alert! Fine dust and ozone levels are rising rapidly!

On June 19, 2025, the current air quality values ​​in Germany are a topic that concerns many people. The measuring station on Bahnhofstrasse in Kiel documents the fine dust particles (PM10) per cubic meter of air and thus offers a valuable insight into the air and environmental conditions. According to the information from KN Online, the limit value for PM10 has been set at 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, with an excess allowed 35 times per year. But what about air quality overall?

Air quality is determined by three main values: particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. Limit values ​​define the quality of the air and show the following categories:

• Sehr schlecht: Stickstoffdioxid > 200 μg/m³, Feinstaub > 100 μg/m³, Ozon > 240 μg/m³.
• Schlecht: Stickstoffdioxid zwischen 101-200 μg/m³, Feinstaub 51-100 μg/m³, Ozon 181-240 μg/m³.
• Mäßig: Stickstoffdioxid zwischen 41-100 μg/m³, Feinstaub 35-50 μg/m³, Ozon 121-180 μg/m³.

Air pollution can pose a serious health risk, especially in cities. According to German Environmental Aid (DUH), new data for 2023 have shown that 99 percent of all measuring stations exceed the WHO recommended value of 5 µg/m³ for fine dust. In many cities, including Munich and Essen, three quarters of the measuring stations even exceed the harmful nitrogen dioxide value of 10 µg/m³. This is an alarming signal for air quality in Germany that requires immediate action.

Recommendations for the population

What should people do if air quality is poor? If the values ​​are classified as “very poor”, it is recommended that sensitive people avoid physical exertion outdoors. If the air is “poor,” strenuous outdoor activities should be avoided, while if the quality is “moderate,” short-term health effects are unlikely, but should still be taken into account for long-term exposure. In the best case, with “very good” quality, people have the best conditions for outdoor activities.

In addition, the Open Data Schleswig-Holstein project offers current data on air pollutant concentrations that can be downloaded. Not only can you find the measured values ​​there, but also maps of the measurement locations and graphical representations. However, all data is classified as “preliminary”, so a final assessment will only be made after the end of a calendar year.

Effects of New Year's Eve fireworks

One aspect that is often discussed is the fine dust pollution caused by fireworks, especially on New Year's Eve. It is estimated that around 2,050 tonnes of fine dust are released into the air through fireworks each year and 75% of this is released on New Year's Eve. While the load increases sharply this evening, it usually decreases quickly, depending on the weather conditions.

The problem is clear: air pollution could potentially endanger the health of thousands of people every year. In the interests of a healthy population, environmental protection organizations are demanding that the federal government adopt new, stricter limits by the beginning of 2025, based on the WHO recommendations.

Overall, it should be noted that the air quality in many German cities must be constantly monitored in order to be able to respond appropriately to air pollution both preventively and reactively. The need for action and awareness regarding one's health is more urgent than ever.

For further information and current air pollutant data, you can visit the KN Online pages here, Schleswig-Holstein here and German Environmental Aid here visit.