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Anastasia  Balezdrova

Today is the first day of the week when the Athenians can breathe somewhat normally. High temperatures and the lack of any breeze in recent days not only caused discomfort to anyone who dared to go out in the midday hours, but raised to a very dangerous level the atmospheric pollution over Athens. The "cocktail" of very high temperatures and ozone was explosive, and unfortunately more than usual during the hot summer months.

According to data provided by the Observatory of the atmosphere in many metropolitan districts the content of ozone in the atmosphere passed the maximum limit of informing the citizens, which is 180 micrograms per cubic meter. In the suburb of Peristeri, it even passed the alarm threshold set at 240 micrograms.

GRReporter got in touch with pulmonary disease specialist and head of one of the clinics of the hospital Sotiria Michalis Trupis who explained us what are the consequences of air pollution for the human health and how can we prevent them.

What are the consequences of air pollution on our health and what problems may this cause us?

The most serious problems are caused by one of the many pollutants – the ozone. Other pollutants are the carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulates, benzene, lead, etc., but in the last period, we are all dealing with the increased content of ozone in the air pollution.

There is a certain limit, using which the content is measured as medium, high and very high. The consequences are different depending on the degree of pollution and they affect mainly the upper and lower respiratory tract.

At high levels of ozone the symptoms are irritation in the nose and pharynx, crepitation occurs while breathing, coughing, chest pain sometimes, especially when taking a deep breath. Generally it causes difficulty in breathing especially during physical activity or agricultural outdoor activities. It affects mostly some specific age groups, including the young children, elderly, people with respiratory problems and people who suffer from asthma. They often have exacerbations of the asthma symptoms during periods when we have excessive levels of ozone in the atmosphere.

How can these categories of citizens protect themselves?

Firstly, by avoiding to go outdoors, do sports or work in places where high air pollution levels have been registered. In the case of the Athens pollution covers the whole area. It can move over different areas with the wind. So people who have problems should consult their doctors so as to know how to react in case of exacerbation of the problem. But most of all they should strive to not be exposed to polluted atmosphere.

According to some studies air pollution also increases death cases. What is your comment?

General we can say that overall pollution and ozone in particular increase the risk of death due to pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. In countries or cities where there is a continuous record of atmospheric pollution we also have an increased number of deaths from these types of diseases.

Another parameter that is also taken into account is that during such increases a rise in visits in hospitals and hospitalization is observed due to respiratory problems.

What causes pollution in big cities?

Pollution, which is characterized by high levels of ozone is mainly due to the cars and then to the chemical plants, chemical solvents, petroleum refineries.

Is it connected with the weather?

Yes, air pollution certainly has a connection with the sun. During windless periods or periods of increased solar radiation and high temperatures it increases. Ozone is formed by chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and oxygen using sunlight.

According to the person responsible for the forecasts in the National Meteorological Institute Anastasia Papakrivou changes in temperature are very closely related to atmospheric pollution. "When there are no air currents up and a strong wind that can carry the pollution away this causes its accumulation. We provide weather data to the institutions which measure air pollution to be aware of weather changes throughout the day."

In Athens, the highest level of ozone was recorded in the northern part of the capital at the foot of the mountains Parnita and Pendeli as well as in the east part at the foot of Imitos. The values ​​are rising and reaching record levels mainly during spring and summer months from April to August.

To limit the release of pollutants into the atmosphere the traffic of vehicles is recommended to be reduced, as well as avoiding the transport of fuel, especially gasoline, and also the operation of facilities that emit volatile hydrocarbons such as dry cleaning, painting workshops and other during the midday hours. Filling up the car with fuel should be done after sunset.