Disparate Air Quality in Germany: High Pollution in the North, Respite in the South
Air Pollution Hangs Heavy over Northern Germany
Air quality across Germany deteriorated significantly on Wednesday, with elevated levels of particulate matter, particularly in the northern half of the country. According to a map released by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) on Thursday morning, the highest concentrations of fine dust (PM2.5 and PM10) were observed in regions of northeastern Germany, significantly exceeding the respective limit values of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Affected areas include all eastern German states, Niedersachsen, northern Nordrhein-Westfalen, northern Hesse, and parts of Schleswig-Holstein.
Fine Dust Particles: Size Matters
Fine dust is categorized according to particle size: PM2.5 refers to particles up to 2.5 micrometers in size, while PM10 encompasses particles up to 10 micrometers, or one-thousandth of a millimeter. These particles can penetrate the lungs through the nose and mouth, potentially reaching the alveoli and bloodstream, causing damage.
Weather Patterns Drive Air Quality Divide
Jacqueline Kern of the German Weather Service (DWD) attributes the stark air quality disparity between northern and southern Germany to current weather conditions. "The south is experiencing more rainfall, which binds and washes away the dirt," explains the meteorologist. "This reduces the concentration of fine dust particles in those regions." Conversely, stagnant air prevails over the rest of the country, hindering the exchange of air masses.
Prolonged High Levels Expected
Kern predicts that the elevated air pollution will persist through the weekend. "I expect the air quality to remain poor," she says. Germany is under the influence of high pressure, causing air to be compressed, further impeding air exchange.
However, there is a silver lining: according to Kern, cleaner air from the North Sea and Baltic Sea will stream in from the north during the weekend, diluting the heavily polluted air that previously originated from Eastern Europe.
Health Implications and Mitigation
Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, allergies, and acute respiratory issues, should minimize strenuous outdoor activities when air quality is poor. High fine dust concentrations pose a particular threat to these vulnerable groups.
Sources of fine dust include vehicular traffic, power plants, residential heating appliances, and industrial and agricultural activities. In winter, fine dust emissions increase due to increased heating with wood-burning stoves and higher traffic-related emissions.
