Air quality in Kempten alarming: fine dust levels exceed limits!

Air quality in Kempten alarming: fine dust levels exceed limits!

Today, January 1, 2026, the air quality in Kempten (Allgäu) is worryingly bad. According to the measurements, the highest value for fine dust (PM₂,₅) has exceeded an alarming limit at 158 ​​µg/m³. The Federal Environment Agency therefore recommends that particularly sensitive people and risk groups avoid outdoor activities in order to minimize health risks. The Air Quality Index (LQI) for the region is in the dark red range, indicating significant air pollution. For comparison purposes, the federal maximum value for fine dust in Neuwied is 284 µg/m³, also an alarming number.

A nationwide wave of pollutants is moving through Germany in lockstep. This not only shows the situation in Kempten, but it is also another sign that the air in many German cities is contaminated with harmful substances. The limit range for air quality that is harmless to health is between 0 and 25 µg/m³. These numbers are alarming and require quick action.

Measurement data and information access

The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) continuously monitors the air quality in Germany. Air pollutants such as fine dust (PM10, PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) are recorded with over 400 measuring stations across the country. The data is accessible not only to citizens, but also to scientists and policy makers. Hourly, daily and annual measurement data are available free of charge and provide a transparent insight into the current air situation.

In order to present the information in a way that everyone can understand, the UBA has introduced the air quality index (LQI), which ranges from “very good” to “very bad” and is color-coded. This makes it easier for anyone interested to quickly see how high the level of pollutants in the environment is.

Role of the Federal Environment Agency

The UBA is Germany's central environmental authority and pursues the important goal of creating a healthy environment and protecting the population from harmful environmental impacts. In addition to air quality, the UBA also focuses on topics such as waste prevention and climate protection. Experts from various disciplines, including biology, chemistry and engineering, work to collect environmental data and make forecasts. This work is essential in order to identify future impairments to people and nature at an early stage and to propose solutions.

The UBA's role as an early warning system is further strengthened through extensive research activities in its own laboratories and through collaboration with international institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Ultimately, the goal is to enable informed decisions that benefit both people and the environment, as can be read on the UBA website ( www.umweltbundesamt.de ).

In times when the air quality in many cities in Germany is worrying, it is even more important to have current data and take appropriate measures. The information on the website of the News.de serve as a helpful resource for keeping up to date on the air quality situation. A decisive step in the right direction that concerns us all.