Flu epidemic fuelled by particulate matter
The health insurance company AOK conducted a study together with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) to investigate the connection between respiratory diseases and fine dust pollution. The result is not really surprising.
Particularly high values were measured in Baden-Württemberg around Stuttgart, Kehl and Mannheim. However, the study examined a period in the past - no data is available yet for 2022. Nevertheless, general conclusions can be drawn: The more particulate matter in the air, the more people fall ill with influenza. A double concentration of fine dust particles leads to a doubling of flu cases - especially in cold regions the risk is increased.
The EU Commission has proposed new limits for particulate matter from 2030. Until then, there are still seven years in which those responsible can prepare. The limit value is to be only 10 micrograms per air cubic metre from 2030, a limit that currently only nine Baden-Württemberg municipalities out of more than 1000 comply with. Moreover, these municipalities are all located in the Black Forest, whose trees clean the air more than elsewhere. No data is yet available for 2022.
Particulate matter is mainly concentrated along busy roads, such as the Neckartor in Stuttgart. There, one third of the air pollution comes from exhaust fumes and tyre wear, as well as from the many vehicles that drive into the metropolis from outside Stuttgart. If the switch from combustion engines to e-cars stalls and the air quality does not benefit sufficiently from it, it could well be that the environmental zones will be tightened further.
The quickest way to find out about this is to use our Green-Zones app. All environmental zones in Baden-Württemberg, Germany and Europe are displayed there.