Fact check: “90 percent of what is measured with measuring devices is natural fine dust.”

A quote from traffic scientist Matthias Klingner is circulating on the Internet. In it he describes the fine dust limit as nonsensical. What the measuring devices measure is 90 percent natural fine dust. Nobody has died from it yet. The fine dust from diesel cars cannot be measured at all.

It is this picture that is now (2023) making the rounds again. But it's been around since at least 2019!

The fog surrounding the fine dust is clearing

Have you ever taken a deep breath on a busy morning and wondered what was actually ending up in your lungs? Between swirling dust particles, clouds of exhaust gases and the smell of fresh coffee from the street café, the answer could be more complex than you think. The current debate about particulate matter and its sources has captivated not only environmentalists, but also scientists and skeptics. We shed light on the fog of ignorance and investigate which sources of particulate matter really dominate and how they affect our health.

Natural particulate matter: a wolf in sheep's clothing?

While many people assume that the greatest threat is man-made particulate matter, it is claimed that up to 90% of the particulate matter measured in the air is of natural origin. But how much truth is there behind this number?

Particulate matter from natural sources such as volcanoes and soil erosion is certainly present in our atmosphere. But the assumption that it accounts for 90% of all particulate matter is simply not correct. The metropolitan areas where most of us live and work are particularly influenced by human activities, from cars to industrial processes to heating systems. Fine dust caused by humans dominates here.

The diesel scandal: More than just nitrogen oxides

Diesel exhaust is not only known for its nitrogen oxide emissions, but also contributes to particulate matter pollution. Even though the proportion of particulate matter from diesel vehicles may seem small compared to other sources, it is by no means negligible. Especially in densely populated areas, every little bit counts.

Health risks: Not everything that is natural is good for us

Just because something is natural does not mean it is harmless. Think of snake venom or poisonous plants! Natural fine dust can also pose health risks. The real problem lies in the cumulative effect of natural and anthropogenic particulate matter. Regardless of its origin, fine dust can cause health problems, especially in people with previous illnesses or weakened immune systems.

Fact check:

Claims	Fact check
90% of the fine dust measured is natural	Incorrect. The majority of fine dust in metropolitan areas comes from human activities.
No one has ever died from natural particulate matter	Misleading. People do not die directly from particulate matter, but rather from the consequences of its exposure.
Diesel cars do not produce any measurable particulate matter	Incorrect. Diesel cars contribute to particulate matter pollution, although there are other dominant sources.

Science strikes back

Experts from various fields have made it clear that particulate matter, regardless of its origin, has the potential to negatively impact our health. An inhaled particle is an inhaled particle, whether it comes from a volcano, a vehicle exhaust, or another process.

Conclusion : The fine dust debate may be controversial, but the science is clear: fine dust, whether naturally or artificially produced, can have health effects. It's important that we move away from myths and half-truths and focus on what really matters - the health and well-being of our communities and our environment.

Source:

• Federal Environment Agency
• Leopoldina
• dpa

Also read: How harmful is car tire wear for the environment?