Umweltbundesamt
Since 2010, the population's PM2.5 exposure above an annual average of 10 µg/m³ (interim target 4 of the new guideline values of the World Health Organisation (WHO) from 2021, equal to the old WHO guideline value from 2005) has decreased significantly in Germany.However, between 2010 and 2021, almost the entire population was exposed to particulate matter levels above the current WHO guideline val... read more
After the background level in German agglomerations exceeded the old recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) only for the air pollutant ozone (figure left), the background level now clearly exceeds the updated WHO recommendations from 2021 also for particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide NO2 (figure right).Close to sources, pollutant levels can even be significantly higher.T... read more
Between 2010 and 2021, the proportion of the population exposed to PM10 concentrations above the WHO guideline value decreased from 90.5 % to 20.3 %.Comprehensive measures to reduce particulate matter pollution in Germany are absolutely essential for health protection.New EU limit values for particulate matter, which are to apply from 2030 as part of the revision of the EU Air Quality Directive, a... read more
Population-weighted particulate matter (PM10) levels in Germany were significantly lower in 2021 than in 2010.In 2021, the population-weighted particulate matter exposure was 13.0 micrograms per cubic meter on average for the year. This is 33 % less than in 2010.The decrease in exposure is due to declining emissions from stationary sources (e.g., power plants, waste incineration plants, domestic f... read more
Population-weighted particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in Germany were significantly lower in 2021 than in 2010.In 2021, the population-weighted particulate matter exposure was 9.3 micrograms per cubic meter on average for the year. This is 42 % less than in 2010.The decrease in exposure is due to declining emissions from stationary sources (e.g., power plants, waste incineration plants, domestic f... read more
Lead is a toxic heavy metal and usually occurs bound to other substances. In ambient air lead is measured bound to particulate matter. read more
Cadmium is toxic and cancerogenic. It belongs to the heavy metals and usually occurs bound to other substances. In ambient air arsenic is measured bound to particulate matter. read more
Arsenic is toxic and can have metallic or non-metallic characteristics. It rarely occurs elementary but most of the time bound to other substances. In ambient air arsenic is measured bound to particulate matter. read more
The UBA’s motto, For our environment (“Für Mensch und Umwelt”), sums up our mission pretty well, we feel. In this video we give an insight into our work.
