High fine dust values ​​in Hesse: Health in danger!

Wiesbaden reports on increased fine dust values ​​in Hesse on February 11, 2025; No weather change in sight, risk groups should avoid.
Wiesbaden reports on increased fine dust values ​​in Hesse on February 11, 2025; No weather change in sight, risk groups should avoid. (Symbolbild/ANAG)

High fine dust values ​​in Hesse: Health in danger!

In Hesse, the fine dust values ​​are currently alarming. The current value for PMavores is between 30 and 70 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), as fr.de These values ​​clearly exceed the limit values ​​defined by the Federal Environment Agency, which classify air quality as poor when it is over 26 µg/m³, and very bad if the values ​​exceed 50 µg/m³.

The currently unusually high fine dust concentrations in Hesse are due to a continued high -pressure weather situation, which has been leading to the accumulation of air pollutants on the ground for two weeks. During the weak eastern flow, pollutants from Eastern Europe are transported to Hessen. Although such high fine dust values ​​often occur in the winter months, the current situation is exceptional, since the emissions from heating, industry and traffic cannot be diluted well due to the weather conditions.

consequences for the population

Especially sensitive people, including children, older people and people with respiratory diseases, will advise to avoid physical activities outdoors. Despite these worrying values, there is currently no information or alarm thresholds for the fine dust concentrations in Hesse. However, an introduction of such values ​​is planned for the end of 2026.

Fortunately, there are bright spots in the air quality of Hesse in general. The Hessian State Office for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) reports that in 2023 all measuring points have complied with the legally required limit values. This is the third year in a row in which air quality in Hesse has improved. On average, the NO₂ load fell by 10 % compared to the previous year, with the maximum values ​​in Limburg and Darmstadt at 37 µg/m³.

long -term developments and challenges

Air quality in Europe as a whole also shows a positive trend. According to eea , the number of deaths has dropped by 45 % between 2005 and 2022. Nevertheless, air pollution remains the greatest environmental health risk on the continent. According to estimates, there were 239,000 deaths in the EU in 2022, which are due to PMavor, whereby WHO guidelines were not observed.

The new EU air quality guideline, which comes into force in December 2024, provides for more extensive measurements and a reduction in air pollutants. The EU target is a reduction in fine dust pollution by 55 % by 2030 in order to further minimize the health effects of air pollution.

In the short term, air quality remains tense in Hesse, while long -term measures and a continuous improvement of the technology will hopefully lead to a more sustainable air quality.

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