Refrigeration in Minden-Lübbecke: Fire smoke causes an alarm!

Refrigeration in Minden-Lübbecke: Fire smoke causes an alarm!

On February 1, 2025, the integrated control center Minden-Lübbecke gave an urgent warning for the Minden-Lübbecke region, especially for the cities of Porta Westfalica, Minden and Petershagen. At 02:34 a.m., the warning was issued in an industrial company in Kalletal in the Lippe district due to a fire. The authorities fear a possible pollution of odors from the fire smoke, which can be expected in the eastern parts of Minden and Petershagen.

Although the danger was classified as low, the possible health effects should not be underestimated. Residents could be faced with unpleasant smells that can cause headaches, nausea or dizziness. Such nuisance of odors are often associated with industrial emissions, waste disposal or agricultural activities. The warning emphasizes the importance of rules of conduct and announces that the all -clear takes place as soon as the situation has been clarified and there is no further dangers.

Health risks from air pollution

The health risks due to air pollution are among the most pressing environmental challenges in Europe. Data from the European Environment Agency show that between 2005 and 2022 the number of deaths in the EU, which are due to fine dust (pm2.5), could be reduced by 45 %. However, in 2022 at least 239,000 people in the EU died of fine dust pollution, which was above the values ​​recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). There were also 70,000 deaths from ozone pollution and 48,000 by nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These deaths could have been avoided if the WHO guidelines had been observed.

Air quality in Germany has improved in recent decades, but the current limit values ​​are still not sufficient to completely avoid health risks. According to the WHO, the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and fine dust in Germany are still too high, which