Fine dust alarm in Bottrop: bad air endangers health!

Fine dust alarm in Bottrop: bad air endangers health!

On January 11, 2025, the current measured values for air quality in Bottrop show alarming tendencies. According to news.de on Saturday exceeds the set limit. In particular, the Bottrop-Welheim measuring station captures a maximum value with 28 µg/m³ that is classified in the red area of the air quality index (LQI) and thus classifies the air quality as "bad".

The standard values for fine dust (pm₂₅) are between 0 and 25 µg/m³. The increased fine dust concentration in Bottrop, which is characterized by urban influences such as traffic and industry, can damage airways in particular. Sensitive groups of people, including asthmatics and people with previous illnesses, are particularly affected by the current situation. Recommended behavioral changes for these risk groups include avoiding efforts outdoors as well as perseverance in air-conditioned interiors.

Health risks and fine dust pollution

The dangers that go from fine dust are well documented. In this way, fine dust can lead to inflammation of the airways and, in the worst case, result in cardiovascular diseases. Even short -term exposure can endanger health. In view of these health risks, the recommendations for risk groups are clear: This includes avoiding sports and exhausting activities as well as wearing FFP2 masks in heavily loaded areas.

The last three months show that the highest daily means for fine dust in Bottrop were as follows: On December 29, 2024, a value of 25 µg/m³ (🟡) was measured, which was also found on other days, such as on December 28, 2024. In comparison, on January 7, 2025 with only 3 µg/m³, the cleanest air quality.

long -term developments in air quality in Germany

The Environmental Federal Agency has been carrying out comprehensive fine dust measurements in Germany since 2000, both for PM10 and for PM2.5. The decline in the PM10 annual means of 50 µg/m³ in the 1990s to currently between 15 and 20 µg/m³ is advanced in air pollution control. Nevertheless, fine dust concentrations, especially in urban metropolitan areas, are still a serious problem that is due to a variety of sources, including traffic, industry and heating.

In addition, the ** EU guidelines ** must be continuously checked for air pollutants in order to meet the health risks. Despite all progress, air quality in Germany does not remain unattended. According to Environmental Federal Agency , the values for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine dust are still too high in many places.

In this context, it is important to protect the health of citizens and continuously work on the improvement of air quality in order to minimize both short -term and long -term health risks.