Umweltbundesamt

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

The new low-emission zone made effective in the town of Aachen (Level 3, Baden-Württemberg) in February brings the total number of low-emission zones in Germany to 52. read more

Nitrogen dioxide and particulates in particular still had an impact on air quality and on human health in Germany in 2013. read more

Air pollution caused by nitrogen dioxide and particulates continued to be too high in Germany in 2012. read more

The background levels of three main air pollutants in German agglomerations exceed World Health Organisation (WHO) guide line values and effect thresholds.Close to sources, pollutant levels can even be significantly higher.The situation regarding nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter has greatly improved since 2000.Ozone and particulate matter pollution is very dependent on the weather. Levels t... read more

The exposure of the population to particulate matter in areas not affected by intensive traffic has substantially decreased since 2007.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 Federal Government’s aim is that the guideline value of the World Health Organisation (WHO... read more

In 2015, about 41,500 premature deaths in Germany can be attributed to ambient particulate matter pollution.The adverse health effects of particulate matter decreased in recent years however, the health threat associated with particulate matter pollution is still too high.The Federal Government has set a target to further reduce particulate matter emissions. read more