PAH

Water

Pollutant emissions into surface waters

Picture from river in Germany

Surface water quality was considerably improved in recent decades in Germany. Nevertheless, hazardous substances are still emitted into surface waters. Reducing emissions is mandatory. Where do the pollutants originate? Where are emission hotspots? Which measures are efficient? In order to answer these questions, integrated modelling tools have to be applied. read more

News on Air, Water and Transport

Scrubber discharge bans would protect oceans

5 laboratory bottles with differently coloured liquid from transparent to brown-black.

The German Environment Agency has commissioned a project to study the effects of discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) of ships on the marine environment. Scrubber discharge contains pollutants such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are classified as extremely hazardous. Discharge bans - at least regional - are recommended. read more

Health

German Environmental Survey, GerES 2014-2017

Six children on a lawn sich in einer Kette bei den Händen gefasst und hüpfen lachend in die Luft

From 2014 to 2017, the German Environment Agency investigated the exposure of children and adolescent exposure to environmental influences in Germany. Families were selected to participate in the survey according to certain statistical criteria. They providedimportant insights into the health of today’s young generation – including a health check of the environmental impact on their children. read more

News on Chemicals

New thresholds for carcinogenic PAHs in (baby) toys and more

rubber ducks

Since 27 December 2015 consumer goods may no longer exceed a very low content of eight carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). A threshold of 0.5 mg/kg applies for toys and baby items. Other rubber or plastic products such as gardening gloves or mouse pads may contain no more than 1 mg/kg. read more

The Umweltbundesamt

For our environment