Air

Higher ozone levels for the first time in years; much lower particulate levels than 2014

Wood-fired heating systems emit more particulate matter locally than road traffic

Poor air quality can have serious impacts on our health and the environment. How is Europe’s air quality? What are the main sources of air pollutants? How do they affect our health and the environment? What does Europe do to improve air quality?

Efforts to reduce air pollution must continue on a wide scale to protect man and the environment. This became clear at the "Reine Luft" [Clean Air] conference which was hosted by the UBA in September 2013.

The main sources of the air pollutant nitrogen dioxide are combustion processes in the industrial and energy production sectors, and road transport. Nitrogen dioxide affects the respiratory mucous membrane and influences the respiratory function.

Sulphur dioxide is a colourless, water soluble gas with a pungent smell. It is produced from combustion of fossil fuels, for example coal and oil.

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

This Federal Environment Agency web page offers regularly updated information about air and other topics related to this most important elixir of life. Find out here how air quality has developed and which pollutants are harmful to health. We identify sources of pollution and point out measures to combat it.

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.