Where are the legal limits for airborne pollutants? Find out here. For your health and wellbeing!
Here you get an overview of the often complex definitions of limit values for air pollutants such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, VOCs, formaldehyde or ozone, as set by the Federal Environment Agency or the WHO. A distinction is made between limit values for certain pollutants outdoors, indoors and at work. In practice, it’s often hard to keep track and work out when action is needed. That’s where the air-Q air analyzer helps — by monitoring the limit values for you.
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Designation PM 1 PM 2.5 PM 10 UBA daily guideline value - 15 µg/m³ - UBA daily limit value - - 50 µg/m³ UBA annual limit value - 25 µg/m³ 40 µg/m³
The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) sets a daily limit value of 50 μg/m³ for particulate matter PM10, which may only be exceeded on 35 days per year. In general, a maximum annual average of 40 μg/m³ applies. For the smaller PM2.5 particles, there are only non-binding target values of 25 μg/m³ set by the EU and WHO. For even smaller particles - although considerably more dangerous - there are currently no limit values.Learn more →✓ measurable with air‑Q basic, air‑Q pro, air‑Q science and air‑Q radon science.
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Designation EU Outdoor Air Limit Values Workplace Exposure Limits Indoor Air Guide Values Long-term values 40 µg/m³ - 40 µg/m³ Short-term values Immission limit value, 1h average 200 µg/m³,
alert threshold, 3h average 400 µg/m³- Precautionary value, 1h average 80 µg/m³,
hazard value, 1h average 250 µg/m³Work shift - 950 µg/m³ -
The EU sets a limit value of 200 µg/m³ as the maximum for the one-hour average. This may not be exceeded more than 18 times per year. If a value of 400 μg/m³ is exceeded within three hours, immediate action must accordingly be taken. The Federal Environment Agency sets guide values for indoor spaces — 80 µg/m³ as a one-hour average and 40 µg/m³ as an annual average. A short-term alert value of 250 µg/m³ is specified.A workplace exposure limit (MAK) of 950 µg/m³ has been set for NO₂, with numerous exceptions. However, this high value applies in particular to workers who are exposed to elevated nitrogen dioxide levels at their workplace, i.e. not those working in offices. The Federal Environment Agency recommends setting the maximum weekly average at 40 µg/m³ for indoor spaces as well.
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Designation Carbon dioxide limit values UBA recommendation 1,000 ppm DIN 1946-2 limit value for good air quality 1,500 ppm MAK value for workplaces 5,000 ppm
The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) recommends ventilating as soon as a value of 1,000 ppm carbon dioxide is exceeded. The maximum workplace concentration (MAK value) sets a limit of 5,000 ppm. The now no longer valid DIN 1946-2 prescribed a limit of 1,500 ppm. In children's rooms, bedrooms and fully occupied classrooms or meeting rooms, values of over 5,000 ppm can quickly be measured.Learn more →✓ measurable with air‑Q light, air‑Q basic, air‑Q pro, air‑Q science and air‑Q radon science.
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Designation Carbon monoxide limit values UBA 24h guideline value 4 mg/m³ (3.2 ppm) UBA 8h guideline value 10 mg/m³ (8 ppm) WHO recommendation 1h value 25 mg/m³ (20 ppm) MAK value 35 mg/m³ (28 ppm) UBA guideline value 15 min 100 mg/m³ (80 ppm) WHO recommendation 15 min value 85 mg/m³ (68 ppm)
The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) sets a 24-hour average value of 4 mg/m³ for carbon monoxide. The maximum workplace concentration (MAK value) for carbon monoxide is given as 35 mg/m³ - the MAK values do not apply to pregnant women or people with pre-existing conditions. The WHO recommends that values above 25 mg/m³ should not be inhaled for more than one hour, and values up to 85 mg/m³ for a maximum of 15 minutes. The German Federal Environment Agency is somewhat less strict here, at 100 mg/m³.
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Designation Oxygen limit values DGUV Rule 113-004 for work in silos and confined spaces 17 %
There are no legally established limit values for oxygen in Germany. DGUV Rule 113-004 of the German Statutory Accident Insurance for workplace safety specifies a value of 17% oxygen. The amount of oxygen still present in exhaled air is 16%.
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Designation Ozone limit values Federal Environment Agency (UBA) maximum 8h value 120 µg/m³ Federal Environment Agency (UBA) information threshold (1h average value) 180 µg/m³ Federal Environment Agency (UBA) alarm threshold (1h average value) 240 µg/m³
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has set, for ozone, a maximum 8-hour value of 120 µg/m³ (60 ppb), which may be exceeded on no more than 25 days per calendar year. However, the UBA recommends that this value should not be exceeded at all. From a value of 180 µg/m³, the public must be informed; from 240 µg/m³, an ozone alert must be triggered.There is currently no workplace exposure limit (AGW, formerly MAK). Since no AGW has yet been established for ozone, the previous MAK value of 200 µg/m³ serves as a non-binding guideline. For offices, the Federal Environment Agency's limit values apply.
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Designation Sulfur dioxide limit values 1h limit value 350 µg/m³ Daily limit value 125 µg/m³ Annual/winter limit value 20 µg/m³
The EU has established the following sulfur dioxide limit values: the one-hour limit value is 350 µg/m³, the daily limit value is 125 µg/m³. In addition, an alert threshold of 500 µg/m³ applies for sulfur dioxide. As a workplace exposure limit (MAK value), a concentration of 2.5 mg/m³ (1,000 µg/m³ or 1 ppm) has been established for sulfur dioxide.
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Designation Radon limit values EU-wide Euratom standard 300 Bq/m³ annual average Planning guideline value for new buildings 200 Bq/m³ annual average WHO recommendation 100 Bq/m³
The German Radiation Protection Act sets the reference value for radon concentrations. Indoors, the limit value is 300 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³) — meaning 300 decays per second per cubic meter of air. Upon request, the landlord or employer must be able to prove these values. The German Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) recommends ventilating from 250 Bq/m³ onward and permanently reducing the value below 100 Bq/m³ — as does the World Health Organization (WHO). Above 1,000 Bq/m³, remediation should be carried out to protect against radon.Learn more →✓ messbar mit air‑Q radon und air‑Q radon science.
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Designation Absolute humidity limit values general recommendation minimum value 6.9 g/m³ general recommendation maximum value 10.4 g/m³
There are no fixed limit values for absolute humidity. Values between 6.9 and 10.4 g/m³ are recommended, marking the boundaries between air that is too dry and too humid at room temperature. However, at lower or higher temperatures, these values can quickly become uncomfortable.
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Designation Relative humidity limit values General recommendation minimum value 40 % General recommendation maximum value 60 %
There are no legally established limit values for relative humidity. Values between 40 and 60% are recommended. At room temperature, this is where the line lies between air that is too dry (dry throat and eyes) and air that is too humid (mold growth!).
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Designation Methane limit values Lower Explosion Limit (LEL) 29 g/m³ (equivalent to 4.4 vol.-%)
Since methane is non-toxic to humans, no limit values have been set for this gas. However, the high flammability of methane poses a significant risk. The lower explosion limit (LEL) is a methane content of 29 g/m³ — equivalent to 4.4 vol.-% (percent by volume). Above this level, flame propagation through the gas mixture occurs entirely on its own once ignited (explosion).Methane is also known as a dangerous greenhouse gas and is thus a contributor to human-caused climate change. In recent years, the methane content in the atmosphere has been rising rapidly.
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Designation Formaldehyde limit values German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) 0.1 ppm (equivalent to 124 µg/m³) WHO recommendation 0.08 ppm (equivalent to approx. 100 µg/m³) MAK value (maximum workplace concentration) 0.3 ppm (equivalent to 370 µg/m³)
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) sets a maximum formaldehyde concentration of 0.1 ppm (parts per million). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum formaldehyde limit value of 0.08 ppm. In the workplace, the MAK value of 0.3 ppm applies.Learn more →✓ measurable with the air-Q formaldehyde special, air-Q pro, air-Q science or the formaldehyde single sensor. Formaldehyde is also captured via the VOC sensor as a VOC sum value, which is present in every air-Q (air‑Q light, air‑Q basic and air‑Q pro).
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Designation Air pressure limit values no limit values defined -
There are no relevant limit values for air pressure in normal environments. In workplaces, significant deviations from the standard pressure of 1 hPa can also occur. Exemption permits are required below 0.73 and above 3.6 hPa. Even deviations of 0.1 hPa from normal air pressure can be expected to cause significant health impairments, and certain groups of workers may no longer be employed under these conditions.
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Designation Noise limit values Federal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Indoor Daytime 35 dB
Night 25 dBFederal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Spa areas Daytime 45 dB
Night 35 dBFederal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Purely residential areas Daytime 50 dB
Night 35 dBFederal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Mixed-use areas Daytime 60 dB
Night 45 dBWHO recommendation for wind turbines near residential areas Daytime 45 dB
The official TA Lärm (Technical Instructions on Noise Abatement) sets maximum limits for indoor spaces (25 dB at night, 35 dB during the day). Outdoors, different limit values apply for different types of areas — in purely residential areas, for example, 50 dB during the day and 35 dB at night. The WHO has issued a series of recommendations for specific noise sources and areas. In the immediate vicinity of wind turbines, the WHO accordingly recommends a maximum noise level of 45 dB; traffic noise should stay below 53 dB during the day and 45 dB at night — always measured outdoors. The Noise and Vibration Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance (LärmVibrationsArbSchV) applies to protect against noise exposure in the workplace. Depending on the type of activity, duration and specific location of the noise exposure, it sets various limit values. For offices, for example, there are no specific limit values.
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Designation Noise limit values Federal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Indoor Daytime 35 dB
Night 25 dBFederal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Spa areas Daytime 45 dB
Night 35 dBFederal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Purely residential areas Daytime 50 dB
Night 35 dBFederal Immission Control Act TA Lärm - Mixed-use areas Daytime 60 dB
Night 45 dBWHO recommendation for wind turbines near residential areas Daytime 45 dB
The official TA Lärm (Technical Instructions on Noise Abatement) sets maximum limits for indoor spaces (25 dB at night, 35 dB during the day). Outdoors, different limit values apply for different types of areas — in purely residential areas, for example, 50 dB during the day and 35 dB at night. The WHO has issued a series of recommendations for specific noise sources and areas. In the immediate vicinity of wind turbines, the WHO accordingly recommends a maximum noise level of 45 dB; traffic noise should stay below 53 dB during the day and 45 dB at night — always measured outdoors. The Noise and Vibration Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance (LärmVibrationsArbSchV) applies to protect against noise exposure in the workplace. Depending on the type of activity, duration and specific location of the noise exposure, it sets various limit values. For offices, for example, there are no specific limit values.Learn more →✓ messbar mit air‑Q light, air‑Q basic und air‑Q pro sowie air‑Q science
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Designation Room Temperature Limit Values Federal Environment Agency Recommendation - Living Space 21 °C to 23 °C Federal Environment Agency Recommendation - Offices 21 °C to 22 °C Federal Environment Agency Recommendation - Children's Room 21 °C to 23 °C Federal Environment Agency Recommendation - Bedroom 16 °C to 18 °C Maximum value per Workplace Directive (ASR) - Offices 26 °C
The Federal Environment Agency issues recommendations for room air temperatures depending on use (e.g. living spaces 21 to 23 °C, children's rooms and bathrooms 23 °C, bedrooms 16 to 18 °C). For office spaces, a room temperature between 21 and 22 °C is recommended. According to the Workplace Directive (ASR), the maximum temperature in workrooms must not exceed 26 °C; otherwise the employer is required to take action.Learn more →✓ messbar mit air‑Q light, air‑Q basic, air‑Q pro, air‑Q science, air‑Q radon und air‑Q radon science.
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Activity area / room use Minimum illuminance E (lx) Fine work, e.g. grinding of decorations, color inspection, assembly work 1000 lx Writing, reading, data processing 500 lx Archives 200 lx Break rooms, waiting rooms, changing rooms 200 lx
In Germany, recommendations apply to workplaces regarding the type and direction of light and the associated protection of the eyes against fatigue.
In its publication "Technical Rules for Workplaces", the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) presented the following minimum values in May 2023 with regard to "lighting and visual contact":
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Designation VOC Limit Values Federal Environment Agency - hygienically unobjectionable <1 mg/m³ – from 150 to 400 ppb (parts per billion) Federal Environment Agency - hygienically noticeable 1 to 3 mg/m³ – 400 to 1200 ppb Federal Environment Agency - hygienically concerning 3 to 10 mg/m³ – 1200 to 4000 ppb Federal Environment Agency - hygienically unacceptable >10 mg/m³ – above 4000 ppb
The Federal Environment Agency provides recommendations for the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), ranging from hygienically unobjectionable (below 1 mg/m³ – below 150 ppb) through hygienically noticeable (between 1 and 3 mg/m³ – 150 to 1300 ppb) and hygienically concerning (between 3 and 10 mg/m³ – 1300 to 4000 ppb) up to hygienically unacceptable (above 10 mg/m³ – above 1500 to 4000 ppb). Many legally relevant sources give mg/m³ as the unit. However, what is measured is a mixture of many substances with different molecular masses (also referred to as TVOC), whose volume fraction in the air is given in ppb (parts per billion) or ppm (parts per million). In Germany, a legal determination of limit values for VOCs has so far only been made for workplaces with particularly high production-related exposure.Learn more →✓ messbar mit air‑Q light, air‑Q basic, air‑Q pro, air‑Q science, air‑Q radon und air‑Q radon science.
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Designation Dew Point Limit Values General recommendation, minimum value 9 °C General recommendation, maximum value 15 °C Learn more →✓ messbar mit air‑Q light, air‑Q basic, air‑Q pro, air‑Q science, air‑Q radon und air‑Q radon science.
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Designation Nitrous oxide (N₂O) limit values Workplace exposure limit (AGW) (MAK by the DFG) 100 ppm (180 mg/m³) Learn more →✓ messbar mit dem air-Q Science oder dem Lachgas (Distickstoffmonoxid) (N₂O) Einzelsensor.
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Designation Hydrogen Sulfide Limit Values Workplace Exposure Limit (AGW) 5 ppm (approx. 7 mg/m³) MAK Value (Maximum Workplace Concentration) 10 ppm (approx. 14 mg/m³) Learn more →✓ messbar mit air‑Q pro sowie air‑Q science
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Designation Ammonia limit values German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) recommendation for outdoor air <700 µg/m³ (1 ppm) Limit value under the Animal Welfare Livestock Farming Ordinance (TierSchNutztV) 14,000 µg/m³ (20 ppm) Workplace exposure limit (AGW) 14,000 µg/m³ (20 ppm) Learn more →✓ measurable with the air-Q Science or the ammonia single sensor.
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Since the gas has no direct effects on human health, no limit values have been set.
Designation Hydrogen Limit Values Lower ignition limit 4% Upper ignition limit 76% Lower explosive limit 18% Learn more →✓ messbar mit dem air-Q Science oder dem Wasserstoff Einzelsensor.
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Designation Chlorine (Cl₂) limit values Odor threshold 0.02 ppm - 1 ppm Workplace exposure limit (AGW) 0.5 ppm (= 1.5 mg/m³ air) Learn more →✓ measurable with the air-Q Science or chlorine (Cl₂) single sensor.
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There is no fixed, universally applicable limit value for infrasound as there is for many air pollutants. In Germany, low-frequency noise and noise immissions are assessed primarily according to TA Lärm (Technical Instructions on Noise) and DIN 45680. The focus is not on single blanket values, but on frequency spectrum, sound pressure level, measurement location, and exposure duration. Particularly low frequencies below 20 Hz are referred to as infrasound and must be captured with suitable measurement technology, since classic dB(A) values often only inadequately reflect this exposure.
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