Saxony: Environmental zone for barbecues?

Who hasn't experienced this? The nice weather is coming and with it the unbridled desire to barbecue outdoors. But there is so much barbecuing going on in Dresden that it is damaging the environment. This has been announced by the State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG). After a summer-long investigation last year, a clear increase in soot and fine dust pollution was detected in the evenings. Backpack measurements proved that barbecues and beacons were the main culprits. At the same time, the researchers were able to record the strongest increases in the immediate vicinity of the allotment gardens and in the area of the Alaunpark, i.e. where barbecues and bonfires are often lit. On warm days or at large events, sometimes as much as 100 micrograms of fine dust and 6 micrograms of soot per cubic metre of air were measured. An amount that is not only higher than that recorded on colder evenings, where it rarely exceeds 20 micrograms of particulate matter and 2 micrograms of soot per cubic metre of air. But, according to the report, the barbecues were more harmful to the air than vehicles on the roads at rush hour. The state office explains the phenomenon in connection with the burning of wood and the associated increase in concentration of the chemical marker compound levoglucosan. However, a role was also played by intensity and frequency, as well as by weather conditions. In addition, the LfULG report acknowledged other factors contributing to air pollution, such as the kitchens of restaurants and pubs. Smoking outside the door also contributed to the increased concentration of air-polluting particles, the report continues. A worrying result that makes one wonder about the negative environmental impact of seemingly harmless actions. However, the state office reassures barbecue lovers in the capital. The aim of the study was not to ban barbecues and beacons, but to find out the reasons for the peak particulate matter levels found and to create awareness among citizens. And for all those who now also want to be environmentally friendly when grilling bratwurst, the Green-Zones team recommends an electric grill or corn spindles for your summer evenings.