Health

Our work focuses on protecting human health against adverse influences from the environment. We perform research and award research contracts so that we can gain knowledge about the origin and extent of health-relevant environmental pollution. An interdisciplinary approach is particularly important in this process. The various fields of hygiene, medicine, natural and social sciences and epidemiology all work together, analysing the extent of the body's exposure to pollutants and combine this knowledge with data on the contamination of water, soil and air. The results are translated into practice nationwide and are continuously incorporated into standardisation and regulation at national and international level.

Cleaner air in cities: number of cities above the NO2 limit is halved in 2019

The German Environment Agency has published the final data for 2019 on nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The data show that only 25 cities exceeded the annual mean NO2 limit value of 40 micrograms NO2 per cubic metre of air (µg/m³), compared to 57 cities in the previous year. read more

Clean bathing waters, but the fun has its limits

In the 2019 bathing season, the EU Commission rated 93% of all German bathing water sites 'excellent'. Overall, 98 percent of bathing waters in lakes, rivers and on the coast were in compliance with the quality standards of the European Bathing Water Directive. This data is confirmed by the Quality of Bathing Water data published by the EU Commission on 8 June for the 2019 bathing season. read more

Asbestos in buildings still a problem

Several million buildings in Germany built or refurbished before October 1993 may still contain asbestos today. A new guideline offers advice, especially to non-specialists, on what to consider when planning renovation and DIY work. read more

German Environment Agency enhances its air quality app

Zwei Smartphones auf lila-farbenem Hintergrund. Aufschrift: Wie gut ist die Luft, die sie atmen?

The "Luftqualität" air quality app by the German Environment Agency now also features ozone forecasts. The app can display expected ozone levels for the current and two following days. An automatic alert can be activated to notify the user if high levels of ozone are expected within the next 24 hours. read more

A focus on risks and side effects for mankind and the planet

Climate change, air pollution and contaminated water bodies harm more than just the environment. "Planet Gesundheit", the new interactive exhibition opened today shows how to manage daily life with fewer risks and side effects to health and the planet. read more