Attention! Fine dust alert in Berlin
When drought takes over forests and fields, forest fires often occur in summer. Often they are extinguished and local residents can escape the flames. But the danger is not only immediate, he says, because forest fires bring health risks.
2022 is a year of forest fires. This is what the statistics say about the forest fires registered so far this year. In fact, there were 19 fires and 3143 hectares burnt, according to estimates by the EU Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). Among the most affected region is Brandenburg. Since yesterday, emergency forces have had to intervene, as an explosion at a police blast site caused the surrounding Grunewald forest in Berlin to ignite. Although the situation is not yet completely under control, there is no longer any immediate danger to residents, he said. But the fire from the approximately 50-hectare forest area is worrying from other aspects. For not only traffic, but also fires can increase particulate pollution to dangerous levels.
"A forest fire is a massive exposure to fine dust," explains lung doctor Frank Powitz. Although fine dust is released in every fire, in the case of forest fires there are "extremely high concentrations due to the considerable size of the burning area". It is precisely the fine dust particles released, together with the so-called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - which result from the incomplete combustion of organic material such as wood - that pose an invisible danger to human health. Prolonged exposure to particulate matter can have short- and long-term health consequences. In both sick and healthy people, it puts a strain on the lungs and can lead to risk diseases of the respiratory tract - such as asthma or even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
And it is not only those in the immediate vicinity who should expect a health impact from a forest fire. As Ute Dauert, head of the air quality department at the Federal Environment Agency, explained, wind also plays a role. "It is always a question of where and how fast the wind carries the smoke cloud", as well as how this can lead to variations in the significance of the pollutant measurements as well.
Nonetheless, it looks as if the particulate pollution levels in the areas around Grunewald are stable. The all-clear has now been given by the Federal Environment Agency. With measurement results at 16 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to the current limit of 50 µg/m3 , the air quality was again classified as "very good". Even cleaner than in Berlin's city centre, where average fine dust concentrations of 30 micrograms are measured, despite the existence of an environmental zone.
However, the fact that the Federal Environment Agency has lifted the state of emergency in Berlin does not mean that the fine dust problem is to be underestimated. Worryingly high values are often measured inside and outside large cities. This is followed by the establishment of more and more environmental zones, which aim, among other things, to reduce the accumulation of particulate matter caused by road traffic. This is not to be joked about. Especially those who suffer from pre-existing conditions - according to the Federal Environmental Agency - should pay attention and stay informed about the fine dust pollution at their place of residence.