According to the latest assessment by the European Environment Agency (EEA), dated November 24, 2023, the health risks from air pollution in Europe are too high according to estimates from 2021. The concentrations of particulate matter are above the guideline values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the EEA, air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to health.
Particulate matter
Stove Ordinance 2024 – new limit values from 2025
The requirements for the operation of wood-burning stoves and other small combustion appliances for domestic use are being tightened as a result of the amendment to the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG). By December 31, 2024, these appliances will have to meet the new limit values for emissions and their minimum efficiency. For some owners of wood-burning stoves, this means that they will either have to shut them down or retrofit them by the beginning of 2025. Modern appliances are generally not affected by the new requirements of the 2024 stove regulations as they meet the standards.
Saharan dust – fine dust pollution
Large quantities of Saharan dust, which traveled thousands of kilometers from North Africa across the Atlantic to Europe, shaped this year’s Easter weather. The desert dust not only frequently led to very cloudy skies, but also to high levels of particulate matter pollution in Germany and other parts of Europe.
Air pollutants in small combustion plants
Small combustion plants
Small combustion plants are usually operated with fossil fuels such as natural gas, heating oil, coal or wood . They are designed for private use and small businesses.
According to the 1st BImSchV (Ordinance on Small and Medium-Sized Combustion Plants), all plants with a rated thermal input of less than 1000 kW are considered small combustion plants.
Pollutants in schools
Pollutants in schools put a strain on teachers and especially children. They often spend many hours in the same rooms, which can make them ill. Children are particularly at risk if they are exposed to them in classrooms, workrooms, laboratories or other areas.
From 2022 – less particulate matter pollution from new chimneys
From January 1, 2022 , an important new regulation will apply to the construction of new chimneys. Due to a new legal regulation, new chimney heights must be observed for new combustion systems for solid fuels. This can significantly reduce fine dust pollution in the residential environment.
Dust particle measurement using GSA device SG10-2A
Dust particle measurement for fine dust
The SG10-2A can be used to measure dust particles very precisely, taking into account the respective size specification of the “aerodynamic diameter”. With the measuring device SG10-2A, samples of hazardous substances up to 10 l/min according to EN 481 – both stationary and stationary – can be measured.
Particulate matter pollution due to burning
Users generally do not imagine fine dust pollution in the home – simply by lighting and burning atmospheric candles – and are aware of the possible effects on health. Candles are particularly popular in the run-up to Christmas.
Measure dust exposure at the workplace with SG10-2A
GSA measuring device SG10-2A: Measure dust exposure at the workplace
Strict limit values for permissible dust exposure apply to occupational safety in environments with dusts. This is particularly important for checking dust exposure at the workplace in order to avoid health hazards.
The GSA measuring device SG10-2A enables the measurement of dusts and other hazardous substances up to 10 l/min in accordance with EN 481.
GSA measuring device SG10-2A: Measure dust exposure at the workplace
Strict limit values for permissible dust exposure apply to occupational safety in environments with dusts. This is particularly important for checking dust exposure at the workplace in order to avoid health hazards.
The GSA measuring device SG10-2A enables the measurement of dusts and other hazardous substances up to 10 l/min in accordance with EN 481.
Particulate matter pollution on New Year’s Eve
The media can no longer imagine life without particulate matter pollution, but what is it and how dangerous is it for us? The debate flares up again on New Year’s Eve: does this mean the end of rockets and firecrackers?