Smog alert: Air pollution goes through the roof

In many German cities such as Mainz and Offenbach, environmental zones are permanently active to reduce traffic emissions in the interest of air and environmental protection. But even in cities where climate protection measures are in place, air pollution limits are exceeded from time to time - especially during periods of high traffic volume or when weather conditions favour the formation of pollutants. This is now the case in Mainz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Offenbach (Hesse) and Wolfsburg, where elevated air values have been measured over the last few days.   

In Mainz, the air quality is currently 105 on the air quality index (LQI) scale, with fluctuations up to an LQI of 115. In fact, the highest value of 115 LQI was measured in Frauenlobstraße, while the data at other measuring stations in the city ranged between 59 and 84. Even the lowest reading, however, is considered too high, as it is still away from the green level of the risk scale - and consequently from the desired state of the air situation. The value in Offenbach am Main is also 110 and in Wolfsburg 103, with the Environmental Agency identifying fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as the main pollutant in the atmosphere. According to the latest data, the PM2.5 concentration is 7.4 times the WHO annual guideline value. Overall, the air quality in the cities is in the orange zone, which is classified as unhealthy by the authorities, at least for risk groups. What is clear, however, is that such concentrations of pollutants can have a negative impact on the health of all humans or animals at the same time, as well as on the environment in general. 

It is not entirely surprising, however, that air pollution increases, sometimes significantly, in winter or during the coldest part of the year. Although most of the causes of air pollution are man-made - such as traffic or industrial emissions - there are also natural phenomena that contribute to it. These include not only forest fires or volcanic eruptions, which produce fine smoke particles or sulphur dioxide, but also a certain weather phenomenon: winter smog. When bad weather conditions in the cold months do not allow the air to transport pollutant particles out of the city into the higher layers of air, a dense fog develops. A kind of haze that traps environmentally harmful air particles such as soot, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide and promotes the formation of toxic substances. 

Especially in large cities and urban centres, winter smog is more often becoming a recurring aspect of the air pollution problem and thus a health risk. In many countries, governments have taken measures to counteract this weather-related form of pollution in the long term. Since 2005, for example, Europe has had limit values for sulphur dioxide to monitor the situation more closely. However, it is necessary to exercise caution and take into account natural meteorological phenomena that can have a negative impact on air quality. Without forgetting, of course, to limit emissions from sectors that are commonly considered harmful to the environment. The city of Mainz or Germany in general can, if necessary, take inspiration from the measures and strategies of other countries. After all, pollution, like climate change, is a global problem and neighbouring countries are often affected by similar peaks in air pollution. 

Indeed, air levels are also elevated in France these days. Especially in the departments of Seine-Maritime, Ille-et-Vilaine, Haute-Savoie, Rhone, Isere and in the greater Paris area, PM10 air levels are alarming. But also in the metropolitan area of Lille, the level of pollutants in the air was particularly high yesterday, with particulate matter (PM2.5) peaking at up to 155 µg/m3. A fine dust concentration that already activates the red danger level - remind the French authorities. In this respect, advance warnings have already been issued in France. They can lead to additional temporary driving bans in the next few days to protect air quality - especially in Paris the forecasts see red, because here the air pollution will continue in the next few days. After three days, driving bans usually follow, prohibiting the movement of some vehicles with insufficient stickers. 

Whether such a defence plan in the form of weather-related environmental zones will come into effect at all in Germany to try to get back below the limit value through further bans is unlikely at present, however. Although they could be a good supplement or even alternative to the existing and partly abolished green environmental zones.  

As always, you can see the current advance warnings and possible driving bans in France in our Green Zones app.