African dust “suffocates” all of Greece

Straight out of a science fiction movie are the images coming from areas across Greece, with the sky in entire cities being orange due to the transport of African dust from the Sahara to our country.

In many cities, the atmosphere is suffocating and visibility is limited, with the phenomenon that has been ongoing since yesterday Monday, peaking today, Tuesday (23/04). In addition to the greatly increased dust concentrations, it is expected that mud showersmainly in the north and west of the country.

The images coming from her city are eerie Kalamatawhere the entire city has been covered in Saharan dust.

Eerie images from the African dust and in Attica

A huge cloud of dust has covered the capital since early Tuesday morning, with the atmosphere being particularly suffocating.

Cars have been covered by the African dust, which in combination with the cloudiness that prevails greatly limits visibility.

As long as the atmosphere is suffocating, doctors draw attention to people with an already burdened history, as although a natural event, it can have significant effects on the health of the inhabitants of our country, mainly through the degradation of air quality.

African dust carries particles in a wide range of sizes, such as PM 10, PM 2.5 or even much smaller, and can also entrain pollutants from the atmosphere. An increase in particulate matter in the atmosphere can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies.

People with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable during periods of increased dust levels and this is reflected in increased hospital admissions.

Special attention is required for residents of urban centers and areas with already low air quality, says the Hellenic Pulmonology Society.