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.
Aerosols are a possible transmission path of the novel coronavirus. Aerosols spread quickly throughout the entire room, especially in closed indoor spaces. Regular ventilation by shock and cross ventilation or via ventilation systems in the rooms can significantly reduce the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Children and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 17 in Germany have too many persistent chemicals from the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance group, or PFAS, in their blood. These are the findings of an evaluation of the representative German Environmental Survey for Children and Adolescents, GerES V.
Meat substitute products such as vegetarian sausage, schnitzel or meatballs are becoming increasingly popular in Germany. A study entitled "Meat of the Future" by the German Environment Agency examines the effects which meat substitutes have on the environment and health and what role they could play in a future diet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The standard requires a significant cut in pollutant emissions.
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.
Adjust taxes, reduce noise, promote rail and climate-friendly fuels.
HBM4EU initiative presents assessment values for phthalates, cadmium and bisphenol A – more to follow
Up-to-date measurements of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone pollution available from 400 measuring stations
