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Data source: German Environment Agency

Geographical Area: Germany

This table includes additional information to the above visualized indicators, i.e. a short definition of this indicator and a description of the politically determined target values as well as explaining the political intention behind selecting this indicator.

Definition

The indicator shows the number of persons who are exposed at their place of residence to an annual average of more than 20 micrograms (µg) of PM₁₀ particulate matter (dust particles with a diameter less than 10 µm) per cubic metre () of air (only background pollution, without local sources).

Target and intention

Long-term exposure of humans to particulate matter is especially liable to lead to health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular disorders as well as increasing the risk of type-2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. To better protect their health, by the year 2030 it should consequently be achieved that nobody will be exposed to an annual mean of more than 20 micrograms (µg) of particulate matter PM₁₀ per cubic metre () of air at their place of residence. The guideline value of 20 µg/m³ corresponds to the level recommended by the World Health Organization and is far more stringent than the 40 µg annual mean ceiling that applies in the EU. On 26 October 2022, the European commission proposed amendments to the air quality directive (LQ-RL), such that in the future, boundary values should adjust to the updated guidelines by the World Health Organization published in September 2021. The proposal from the commission is currently debated on European level. The indicator and the targets will be updated accordingly for the 2024 report.

Data status

The data published in the indicator report 2022 is as of 31 October 2022. The data shown on this platform is updated regularly, so that more current data may be available online than published in the indicator report 2022.