Air quality

The Office of Environment uses a mobile measuring station to measure air quality (with a focus on particulate matter) at various locations, particularly those with high levels of traffic. These measurements are carried out in addition to those at the fixed OSTLUFT measuring station in Vaduz. In 2024, the mobile measuring station will be in operation at the Engelkreuzung intersection in Nendeln.

The data presented here are raw values that cannot always reflect the "real air hygiene situation" in the whole of Nendeln. Local exhaust plumes or measurement errors can therefore influence the data.

The PM10 pollution at the Engelkreuzung intersection in Nendeln was higher in the week from December 9 to December 15 than in the previous week (weekly average: 19 ^µg/m3). In Vaduz near the National Library, the weekly average was 18 ^µg/m3. The maximum daily average was recorded in Nendeln on Saturday (37 ^µg/m3). In Vaduz, pollution was highest on Friday (daily average: 29 ^µg/m3). On Monday, particulate matter pollution was lowest at both locations with a daily average of 7 ^µg/m3 each. The average daily temperatures were between -2 and 3°C and there was little precipitation (source: Vaduz meteorological station).

In order to depict the exposure of the population and the environment to Air pollutants throughout Switzerland, maps on Air pollution are generated from measurement data and model calculations. These maps also include the values from the Vaduz station.

Nitrogen oxides are among the main air pollutants. They include nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The main sources are motorized road traffic (combustion processes, at high temperatures) and furnaces

Nitrogen dioxide is measured at 15 locations using passive samplers. The measurement locations and the corresponding measurement data can be viewed in the appendix of the OSTLUFT annual report

OSTLUFT, of which Liechtenstein has been a member since 2001, has commissioned a study on the topic of "Air pollution-related health costs". The general final report is available on the OSTLUFT website. A specific report for the Principality of Liechtenstein has also been produced.

Ozone (O3) occurs naturally in minute quantities in the air we breathe. At ground level - in the air we breathe - too much ozone is harmful. Higher up - in the stratosphere - it protects us from the sun's dangerous ultraviolet radiation.

Ground-level ozone is the most important component of summer smog.

Ozone is measured at the Vaduz National Library measuring station, among others. The measured values can be viewed on the pollution map from OSTLUFT.

Ammonia (NH3) is a nitrogenous air pollutant that contributes significantly to the over-fertilization of sensitive ecosystems. The main source of ammonia is agricultural livestock farming. Ammonia emissions have been measured at various locations in Liechtenstein since 2008.

In addition, Liechtenstein took part in a total nitrogen deposition measurement in 2019 with a measuring point in Ruggeller Riet. The results have been published by the Swiss Federal Office for the Air (FOEN).

A detailed study has taken a closer look at the nitrogen deposition situation in Liechtenstein.

The EU has introduced an annual average limit value of 5 µg/m3 for benzene in outdoor air. Due to the carcinogenic properties of benzene, it should be noted that compliance with this limit value should not be interpreted to mean that there is no longer a health risk. To monitor the concentration of benzene and other organic pollutants (toluene, ethylene benzene and xylenes), immission measurements are carried out at seven locations using passive samplers.

Lichens are sensitive organisms consisting of fungi and algae that react extremely sensitively to changes in environmental conditions. Air quality in particular is a decisive factor for the survival of lichens. After 1989 and 1999, lichen mapping was carried out in Liechtenstein for the third time in 2009.