air pollution

Umwelt-Indikator

Indicator: Population exposure to particulate matter pollution

A diagram shows the number of people from 2010 to 2020 in Germany affected by exceeding the 2005 World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value for particulate matter (PM2.5). The exposure decreased significantly in the period shown.

The exposure of the population to particulate matter (excluding traffic-related measuring points) was significantly lower in 2020 than in 2010.Particulate matter concentrations in ambient air are considerably affected by weather conditions which may vary substantially within the year and from one year to another.The German Environment Agency (UBA) proposes a target of keeping the exposure of the e... read more

Water

Maritime shipping

Sailing boat and container ship in the harbor of Hamburg

More and larger ships are sailing the world's oceans. Due to their high tonnages, ocean-going vessels can be a comparably environment-friendly means of transport. There is still considerable potential to design and construct them in such a way that they pollute the environment less. Proposals need to be developed and implemented at all levels of maritime policy.. read more

Air

Air pollutants at a glance

Smog in an urban area - Trier

The composition of the air is affected by humans. Many components of the air are, above a certain concentration, a threat to humans and animals and affect plants, water bodies, soils and even buildings and materials. read more

Air

National Integrated Assessment Modelling (NIAM)

NIAM is a network affiliated to the UNECE Air Convention that aims at bringing together integrated assessment modellers from different countries investigating strategies to reduce air pollution and its impacts. We want to share experience on technical aspects of modelling, on the tools and data we use and exchange information about the analysis of national measures and policies. Moreover, NIAM aim... read more

Health

Special Exposure Situations

Smog during sunrise in Shanghai

Exceptional exposure situations deserve special consideration. They occur when usual or expected environmental conditions are not met. Human health is particularly at risk in these often extreme stressful situations, therefore environmental hygiene and environmental medicine take up a position on such topics. read more

News on Air

Reducing air pollution from shipping: UBA announces conference

Seagoing vessel

Seagoing vessels are a relatively energy-efficient mode of transport but they also cause a lot of air pollution. How great is air pollution at sea and along the coast? How can shipping become environmentally friendly in the future? The UBA is hosting an international conference in Berlin on 17-18 November 2016 to answer these questions. The conference will focus on the North and Baltic Seas. read more

The Umweltbundesamt

For our environment