Fine dust alarm commuters should leave their car at its best

Stuttgart. When Austrian researchers calculated the particulate matter pollution in EU cities for the year 2030, the model calculation showed that Stuttgart would be among the most heavily polluted places. In Baden-Württemberg's state capital, people are now breaking new ground. From Monday, fine dust alarms will be triggered there. Commuters should leave their car.
Nowhere is the air as burdened as in Stuttgart
In 2030, Stuttgart will be one of Europe's cities with the highest particulate matter pollution. This was calculated by researchers from Austria last year. Already now, the air is nowhere else in Germany as so heavily burdened. The EU limit of 50 micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter of air is regularly exceeded in the state capital of Baden-Württemberg. The city had decided in December to give an alarm in future, if it is predicted for at least two days that the air exchange in the Stuttgart Kessel is limited. Now the time has come: From Monday fine dust alarm will be triggered in Stuttgart.

High particulate matter pollution in Stuttgart. Picture: bluedesign - fotolia

Leave your own vehicle at home
According to the information, the city relies on calculations and forecasts of the German Weather Service. That it can give high particulate matter in winter, is also known from other areas. From midnight, road users are encouraged to travel to the city by public transport or to form carpools. Stuttgart Mayor Fritz Kuhn (Greens) appealed to the citizens to leave their car on the alert days as possible. There are no driving restrictions.

Fireplaces no longer fire
As reported by Süd-West-Deutsche Rundfunk on its website "swr.de", so-called comfort fireplaces should not be fired from Sunday afternoon (6:00 pm). The particulate matter alarm is initially valid for 24 hours, but can be extended by 24 hours if necessary, if the weather conditions do not change. The population is informed on information signs on roads, on bridge banners and traffic reports on the radio about the particulate matter alarm. The initiative of the city also triggers criticism. For example, the German Environmental Aid does not think much of a voluntary nature and demands driving bans - as well as the Federal Government for the Environment and Nature Conservation.

Contain health risk
Air pollution represents an enormous health risk. It is known, for example, that the inhaled tiny dust particles damage the lungs and significantly increase the risk of cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. High levels of particulate matter increase the risk of heart attack, as scientific studies have shown. In addition, the risk of arteriosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) increases. And there are indications that fine dust also promotes diabetes. So there are enough reasons to take more action against the high level of air pollution. (Ad)