Air quality in Lübeck: This is how the fine dust threat lies dormant on November 9th, 2025!

Air quality in Lübeck: This is how the fine dust threat lies dormant on November 9th, 2025!

Today, November 9, 2025, the current air quality measurements in Lübeck highlight the challenges that many cities in Germany are facing. Loud LN Online The measuring station in Moislinger-Allee records the fine dust particles (PM10) per cubic meter of air. The limit value for PM10 is 50 particles per cubic meter and may be exceeded 35 times per year. This is particularly important because air quality is largely determined by three values: fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.

The values ​​are alarming: with a nitrogen dioxide value above 200 µg/m³, the air quality is classified as “very poor”. Even with fine dust levels above 100 µg/m³, the health risks are enormous. Health authorities currently advise people to avoid physical exertion outdoors if the air quality is poor, such as “poor” or “very bad”, while no adverse health effects are expected if the air quality is “good” or “very good”.

Air quality and its causes

The declining values ​​for fine dust in Germany are a positive sign. How Federal Environment Agency reports, PM10 emissions have fallen by a remarkable 45.7% since 1995. A large proportion of PM10 emissions come from production processes and traffic. Overall, 44.5% of PM10 emissions come from production processes, while 82% of transport emissions are caused by abrasion from tires, brakes and road surfaces.

Particularly noteworthy is the challenge posed by agriculture, where the proportion of particulate matter emissions has increased from 10.8% in 1995 to 19.5% in 2023. These changes put the need for action on new regulatory standards, such as the upcoming Euro7 standard, on the agenda in order to further improve air quality.

Fine dust and health effects

The health effects of fine dust should not be underestimated. More than 240,000 premature deaths due to particulate matter have been documented in the EU. Therefore, it is important to take air quality information seriously, especially for sensitive people who are particularly at risk when air quality is poor.

Another relevant piece of information is that although New Year's Eve fireworks cause particulate matter, they are not considered a major problem compared to year-round pollution. Nevertheless, around 2,050 tonnes of fine dust are released every year by fireworks, with 1,500 tonnes escaping on New Year's Eve alone.

As a result, air pollution control and health protection measures remain central to the debate about sustainable urban development. Awareness of such issues will grow beyond the local community as more citizens become aware of the need for climate action and air quality monitoring.

In light of environmental pollution, it is clear that educating the population about air quality and its impact on health is essential. And while we need to adapt the way we live, it is to be hoped that advances in technology and legislation will bring positive changes to air quality.