Air quality in Lüneburg: fine dust values ​​rise dangerously!

Air quality in Lüneburg: fine dust values ​​rise dangerously!

On February 23, 2025, the Landeszeitung that a measuring station on Zeppelinstrasse in Lüneburg records the fine dust particles (PM10) per cubic meter of air. The limit for PM10 is 50 micrograms per cubic meter, whereby this value may be exceeded 35 times annually. The air quality is measured based on specific values: fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.

The specified limit values ​​are as follows:

• "very bad": nitrogen dioxide> 200 μg/m³, fine dust> 100 μg/m³, ozone> 240 μg/m³.
• "bad": nitrogen dioxide 101-200 μg/m³, fine dust 51-100 μg/m³, ozone 181-240 μg/m³.
• "moderate": nitrogen dioxide 41-100 μg/m³, fine dust 35-50 μg/m³, ozone 121-180 μg/m³.

air quality measurement and fine dust sources

The measurements are carried out as an hourly means for nitrogen dioxide and ozone as well as as an hourly gliding daily remedy for fine dust. In the European Union there are around 240,000 early deaths from fine dust annually. Recommendations for the population in poor air quality are different: With “very bad”, sensitive people should avoid physical exertion outdoors, while “poor” exhausting activities should be avoided. In the case of “moderate”, short -term health effects in sensitive people can be assumed, while “good” no health disadvantages can be expected.

New Year's fireworks contributes to the fine dust pollution, but does not relieve significant amounts compared to the year -round burden. About 1500 tons of fine dust are emitted on New Year's Eve, which corresponds to 75% of the annual amount. The fine dust made of fireworks is harmful to health because it consists of tiny, invisible dust particles.

Additional information about fine dust emissions in Germany were provided by Environmental Bundesamt . Fine dust emissions in Germany have decreased considerably since 1995. In 2022, the PM10 emissions were 0.18 million tons, which corresponds to a decline of 45.4 % compared to 1995. The main sources of the PM10 emissions are production processes, combustion processes and diffuse emissions from business as well as agriculture.

The health effects of fine dust depend on the grain size, geometric shape and adhering pollutants. Fine dust can be emitted directly and formed from precursors in the atmosphere.