Nitrogen dioxide loads in Germany down slightly in 2018

Nitrogen dioxide loads in Germany are declining slightly. According to preliminary data, however, the limit value of 40 μg / m³ for NO2 was exceeded in a number of cities throughout Germany. Search exceedances are projected at about 39 percent (2017: 45 percent) of traffic-oriented measuring stations. Average nitrogen dioxide pollution throughout Germany is down slightly, by about two micrograms, compared to the previous year. These are the results of preliminary evaluations of data from the countries and the German Environment Agency (UBA). Evaluations can only take account of the 399 measuring stations. The evaluation of data from another 132 stations is still outstanding, with results expected in May 2019. Only then it is possible to issue an accurate statement on how many cities are in compliance with the threshold value for NO2.

Maria Krautzberger, President of UBA , said: "The threshold value in effect since 2010 is high in many of Germany's cities, putting the health of their residents at risk This is where the real efforts must be made: these are the best vehicles in the world The measures currently in place will simply take too long to ensure clean air everywhere. "

The decline in average NO2 concentrations of roughly two micrograms at traffic-oriented measuring stations is due to a number of factors: local measures for trade-ins or software updates, or meteorological conditions which either favor or hinder the spread of pollutants. The overall effect of the above factors impact measurement results. Detailed calculations would enable the determination of the effect of individual measures; however, calculations based on individual measuring stations are not available. 

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