There are 17 air quality measurement points spread across the city, twelve of which also measure particulate matter. And for many, the current situation is only satisfactory; “We are currently seeing that PM 2.5 and PM 10 values are particularly elevated. These are the fine levels of dust mainly emitted by industry and traffic,” explained Manuel Oberhuber from the ORF weather editorial team on Sunday to “Vienna Today”.
“Not unusual”
Such measurements are not unusual at this time of the year, said environmental doctor Hans-Peter Hutter in an interview with “Vienna Today”. “Now in the fall and winter, we just have higher concentrations of air pollutants. And these very small dust particles play a particular role. This is partly due to meteorological reasons, but also because there are more combustion processes.” Key word: heating.
ORF Vienna
Fine dust imports from Lower Austria and Hungary, for example
The expert emphasizes that the measured values are around the limit value, but still: “They are violations, so you always have to be careful.” It is not always easy to explain where the air pollutants come from as it is also due to meteorological reasons.
“And at the same time, we in Vienna are not the only ones responsible. There is regional transport - from Lower Austria and then other transport that can also come from Hungary, for example. And ultimately it’s a sum of these influencing factors,” Hutter continued.
Poor air quality due to fine dust
Light wind and temperature inversion
As for the weather factor, there are two main reasons: low wind and temperature inversion. “This means it’s cooler down in the city than in the higher layers of air, and that means it’s covered and the air can’t mix,” explains Oberhuber of the ORF Weather Department.
Fine dust with the smallest particles is a particular problem: “There are really excesses that you don’t want to have because they can particularly affect people with sensitive respiratory tracts or pre-existing illnesses. “But you can also see effects on lung function in healthy people, they don’t have major symptoms, but you can see that the respiratory tract is affected,” says Hutter.
Improvement only at the end of the week
Newborn babies, pregnant women or people with previous illnesses should avoid long periods outdoors. As a healthy person, you can go out without hesitation, Hutter says—as long as you don’t overexert yourself. And that applies to the next few days as well. It is towards the end of the week that the weather changes and therefore the air condition improves.
Interview: The State of Air Quality in Vienna
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone, and welcome to another edition of our expert interview series. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with environmental doctor Hans-Peter Hutter, who has been tracking air quality trends and the health implications for our urban environments. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hutter.
Dr. Hans-Peter Hutter: Thank you for having me.
Editor: Recently, there’s been a notable rise in the levels of particulate matter in Vienna, particularly PM 2.5 and PM 10. Can you explain why these levels tend to spike during the fall and winter months?
Dr. Hutter: Certainly! As we transition into fall and winter, people start utilizing heating systems, which increases combustion processes. This results in higher emissions of fine dust particles. Additionally, meteorological conditions—such as temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground—contribute to these elevated levels. So, it’s not uncommon to see higher concentrations of air pollutants during this time of year.
Editor: That makes sense. You mentioned that these measurements can be around the limit values of safety standards. What does that mean for the general public?
Dr. Hutter: When we say that measurements are around the limit values, it indicates that while they’re not catastrophically high, they are still significant enough to be a concern. Exposure to elevated levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 can have potential health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Even at borderline levels, it’s prudent to take precautions, especially during days when air quality is marked as unhealthy.
Editor: Speaking of harmful particles, you mentioned that fine dust can travel from neighboring regions, such as Lower Austria and Hungary. How does that complicate the situation?
Dr. Hutter: That’s correct. Air pollution isn’t restricted by borders; it can easily flow into our city from surrounding areas, depending on wind patterns. This makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact sources of pollution and raises difficulties regarding accountability and remedial actions. It’s a regional challenge that requires cooperative strategies across municipalities to effectively address air quality issues.
Editor: With 17 air quality measurement points across Vienna, how effective are these monitoring efforts? Are they sufficient in capturing the true state of our air?
Dr. Hutter: The 17 monitoring points provide valuable data, but air quality can vary significantly across different neighborhoods due to local sources of pollution and geographical factors. While these measurements give us a good overview, expanding the number of monitoring stations and utilizing real-time data collection methods would enhance our understanding of air quality dynamics throughout the city.
Editor: Given the current situation and patterns you’ve described, what can residents do to protect themselves?
Dr. Hutter: Residents can take several proactive steps. On days when air quality is poor, it’s wise to limit outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones. Using air purifiers indoors can help mitigate exposure. Additionally, engaging in community dialogue to advocate for cleaner energy sources and improved public transport can drive long-term changes.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Hutter. It’s clear that while seasonal fluctuations in air quality present a specific challenge, there are also steps that individuals and communities can take to improve the situation.
Dr. Hutter: Thank you. It’s essential that we work together—individuals, policymakers, and experts—to address these issues and create healthier urban environments.
Editor: That’s a great note to end on. We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Dr. Hutter: Thank you for having me.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and stay safe!