Levels of particulate matter (PM10) in German cities in 2011 were in many cases higher than in previous years, according to preliminary air quality data published by federal environment agency UBA.
The EU limit of 50 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3) for PM10 for no more than 35 days a year was exceeded at 42 per cent of monitoring stations located near roads in urban areas. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels also remained high, with concentrations above the annual average limit of 40 μg/m3 at many monitoring stations.
Source: ENDS Europe Daily, 7 February 2012
UBA press release