The African dust in full swing in Greece, with dangerous levels of suspended particles, harmful air and warnings for sensitive groups.
A strong episode of African dust transport from the Sahara has covered much of Greece, creating conditions of intense atmospheric pollution and limited visibility in many parts of the country. The phenomenon, associated with meteorological disturbances in northern Africa, has led to a significant increase in suspended particulate matter, impairing air quality and causing concern to health authorities, particularly for people with respiratory and cardiac problems. Concentrations in some areas are recording particularly high values, and experts are recommending limiting outdoor exposure until the gradual decrease expected in the coming hours.
Huge waves of African dust from the Sahara have covered much of part of Greece, causing significant disturbance to the atmosphere and limiting visibility in many parts of the country. The phenomenon is attributed to a deep barometric low in North Africa, which has favoured massive transport of dust particles towards the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Metrics
Although such episodes are considered commonplace for the time, concentrations of suspended particles have reached particularly high levels, with the atmosphere being polluted and visibility in many areas being severely limited. Of particular concern is the effect on vulnerable groups of the population.
Panagiotis Behrakis, a professor at the Medical School of the University of Athens, told ERTnews Radio 105.8 that people with respiratory or cardiac problems should be particularly careful. As he said, “those who have sensitivity to the respiratory system, either asthma or chronic respiratory failure or heart failure and have difficulty breathing, it is advisable to avoid fatigue as much as possible.”
The Kalamata region is also at the center of the phenomenon, where the situation is particularly intense. Visibility in the coastal zone and in the city centre is extremely limited, while for the third consecutive day, increased concentrations of African dust have been recorded in the Messinian capital. Residents have already been urged to take protective measures, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups.
Hazardous particles
According to measurements, the maximum concentration of suspended particles this morning reached 308 micrograms per cubic meter of air, a value that is about six times the safety limits, which underlines the seriousness of the air pollution.
Pulmonologist Marietta Tsoepela noted that the phenomenon is now evident even to the naked eye, noting that “microparticles in the city, especially in areas of southern Greece, have increased and are causing problems for patients.”
The gradual abatement of the phenomenon is expected from tomorrow Friday (17/4), according to forecasts, with the weather conditions contributing to the removal of African dust from the country.
