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
Air
Lead in particulate matter
particulate matter
Air
Cadmium in particulate matter
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
Air
Arsenic in particulate matter
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
Air
Heavy Metals in Particulate Matter (PM10)
Heavy metals in ambient air rarely occur elementary but most of the time bound to particulate matter. By inhalation health risks arise because some pollutants like arsenic, cadmium and nickel are classified to be cancerogenic.The European directive 2004/107/EC regulates the measurement and assessment of arsenic, cadmium and nickel in particulate matter (PM10). Lead in particulate matter... read more
Health
Emissions from wood and coal burning stoves in residential areas
Smoke from house chimneys can lead to unpleasant odours in the neighbourhood and be harmful to health. read more
Air
Quick guide on how to use "Current air data" information pages
Experts at the monitoring stations of the German states and the German Environment Agency take multiple daily measurements to determine the air quality in Germany. Shortly after measurements are taken, you can go to our “Current air data” webpage to look up measured values, some forecast data, and data on past years. read more
Umwelt-Indikator
Indicator: Air quality in agglomerations
The background level of one main air pollutant (ozone) in German agglomerations still exceeds World Health Organisation (WHO) guide line values.Close to sources, pollutant levels can even be significantly higher.The situation regarding nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter has greatly improved since 2000. In 2020, the mean value fell below the WHO recommendation for PM 2.5 for the first time.Ozo... read more
Indicator: Population exposure to particulate matter pollution
The exposure of the population to particulate matter (excluding traffic-related measuring points) was significantly lower in 2018 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
