Air pollution in urban areas Alarming nitrogen dioxide pollution in parts of Bonn
BONN · The Godesberg tunnel and Beuel city have particularly high nitrogen dioxide levels. In spring, citizens went around Bonn with measuring equipment as part of an initiative by the group Environmental Action Germany.
Over the past half-year, Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH - Environmental Action Germany) has been measuring air pollution levels in various cities to provide proof of the elevated levels of pollution and collect information that would bolster arguments for a ban on diesel vehicles in cities. Citizens in affected areas helped DUH in taking the measurements. In Bonn, around 15 locations were included.
In spring, citizens fanned out, armed with measuring devices known as “passive collectors”, attaching them to traffic signs and trees. In Bonn, this was done in May and June. After the two months, the devices were sent back and the contents evaluated for the level of nitrogen dioxide. The results are available on the internet, accompanied by the DUH slogan, “Wo atmen krank macht” (where breathing makes you sick).
Nitrogen oxide levels too high in 89 percent of locations
In 89 percent of the locations measured, there was too much nitrogen dioxide in the air. Nationwide, the official limit of 40 micrograms per cubic meter was exceeded in 67 locations, which have not yet been named. The air was polluted even in many medium-sized and smaller cities. "We have asked all responsible state and local authorities to help the affected people," said DUH CEO Jürgen Resch.
The results of the DUH testing in Bonn echo the problem areas already identified by the federal environmental authorities: Reuterstraße and the intersection at Viktoria Bridge and Bornheimer Straße. Both of these locations had values beyond the limit of 40 micrograms.
Near the Botanical Gardens, the DUH measurement came in at 46 micrograms (less than the Federal Environmental Agency measurement of 49). This put a spotlight on streets and squares that have hardly played a role in public debate so far. Particularly noteworthy was the reading of 77.2 micrograms of nitrogen dioxide, which the measuring devices recorded in June at the northern entrance to the Godesberg tunnel, according to DUH. This would exceed the permissible limit by almost 100 percent.
Bad readings for Beuel city
In April, 43 micrograms was the measurement at Konrad-Adenauer-Platz in Beuel city. Those who participated in the initiative say this refutes the thesis of the Bonn city administration that only Reuterstraße and possibly the Viktoria Bridge are the problem areas. The City of Bonn did not want to comment on the results from the DUH initiative, and referred instead to an analysis that is being done by government environmental authorities as part of the clean air Bonn plan.
DUH has filed a lawsuit
Environmental Action Germany has filed a lawsuit in a Cologne court. As in the case in Aachen, the question will be how the district government in Cologne can be obliged to impose diesel driving bans in Cologne and Bonn in order to improve air quality and to comply with limits for nitrogen dioxide. A court ruling is expected in November.
The results of the testing can be found here. For more information about DUH in English, one can click on the flag at the top of the website home page.
(Orig. text: Rüdiger Franz / Translation: Carol Kloeppel)
