Dresden under fine dust attack: How dangerous is the air today?

Dresden under fine dust attack: How dangerous is the air today?

Air quality in Dresden is always the focus of public discussion. On June 3, 2025, measurements at the station on Winckelmannstrasse show that pollution from fine dust (PM10) is still a serious issue. The limit value for fine dust is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, although this value can only be exceeded 35 times per year - a requirement that is difficult to meet in many cities. The current situation in the Saxon state capital reflects a broad trend that the Federal Environment Agency describes very clearly.

In Dresden, air quality is measured by three main parameters: fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. The measurement methods are clearly defined: While nitrogen dioxide and ozone are the hourly average, the fine dust measurement is carried out as an hourly daily daily average. Particular attention is paid to the different limit values: values ​​above 200 micrograms for nitrogen dioxide are classified as “very bad”, while fine dust values ​​from 100 micrograms fall into this category. Incidentally, in Europe we expect 240,000 premature deaths every year due to fine dust pollution, a number that gives food for thought.

Current measurements and recommendations

Anyone who would like to find out about the air quality in Dresden can do so easily via numerous available online portals and apps that offer hourly updated data on fine dust and other pollutants. The air data portal of the Federal Environment Agency offers comprehensive information, including temporal trends in pollutant concentrations as well as tabular lists of the pollution situation at the measuring stations. A free app for Android and iPhone provides information about the levels of fine dust, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.

As far as health recommendations are concerned, particularly sensitive people should stay indoors and avoid physical exertion outdoors if the quality of fine dust is “poor” – when the fine dust is between 51 and 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air. With “moderate” quality, short-term negative health effects are unlikely, but precautionary measures are not entirely without sense.

A look at the causes

Air pollution has many faces. In addition to local transport and industry, weather conditions are also important factors that can influence air quality. After a powerful New Year's Eve fireworks display, for example, an increase in fine dust pollution can be noticed. Around 2,050 tons of fine dust are released into the air every year through fireworks - 75 percent of this on New Year's Eve alone. However, this pollution is not significant compared to year-round air pollution.

In the long term, the data shows that emissions in Germany have been reduced by around 64 percent over the last 30 years, with the largest decline being in carbon monoxide. Nevertheless, limit values ​​for nitrogen-containing pollutants are still exceeded in German cities, including Munich and Ludwigsburg. This teaches us that despite advances in environmental protection, there is still much to be done.

Air quality is not just a question of numbers - it provides insight into the health of people and nature. If the index is “bad” or even “very bad,” sustainable change in our emissions and careful use of resources are essential. Hand in hand, we should ensure better air – for ourselves and future generations.