Meteorologist Kostas Lagouvardou’s post, with the photo from Penteli – Meteorologists recommend patience as the phenomenon is estimated to leave us gradually on Wednesday
The images caused by the African dust which “swallows” the entire country are eerie. Its high concentrations are also evident in Attica, with the suffocating atmosphere becoming noticeable in the last hours.
The explosive landscape is also reflected in a post by the meteorologist, Kostas Lagouvardou, on Facebook. Uploading a photo from the Observatory in Penteli, he writes in his post: “Our colony on Mars”.
Watch the video:
Meteorologists recommend patience as the phenomenon is estimated to leave us gradually on Wednesday. The situation in Messinia and especially in the city of Kalamata is suffocating, with the images circulating on the internet reminiscent of… Libya.
The situation is also difficult in areas of Ilia, with the African dust having obscured the sky, as can be seen from images in the port of Katakolo, on the beach of Karouta and in the area of Zaharos.
Record concentrations in Crete
Crete and the Peloponnese are particularly affected by the wave of dust transport from the Sahara, while the concentrations are also high in Attica, as the Research Director of the Athens Observatory, Kostas Lagouvardos, told protothema.gr. It is typical of the situation in Crete that yesterday, from 5.30 – 7.30 in the afternoon, concentrations of 300 micrograms of dust per cubic meter of air were recorded. Concentrations fell overnight to around 50 micrograms, and today after 2pm they began to rise rapidly. At 5pm, 430 micrograms were already being recorded and the trend continued to rise. “From the night it will start to leave mainland Greece and from tomorrow at noon it will clear both the Peloponnese and Crete,” says Mr. Lagouvardos, noting that this episode of African dust transport is expected to end tomorrow.
Kolydas’… thirty – dirty
According to the director of EMY, Thodoris Kolydas, the African dust will start to recede from Wednesday morning, characterizing the cocktail of dust with high temperatures as “thirty-dirty”.
The atmosphere is suffocating in the Attica Basin as well
The atmosphere in the Attica Basin is suffocating due to the African dust that made its reappearance.
The snapshots from Athens as recorded by the photos from the Eurokinissi agency are typical of the prevailing situation.
The pulmonologists’ bell
This natural event can have significant effects on the health of the inhabitants of our country, mainly through the degradation of air quality, reports the Hellenic Pulmonology Society (HPE).
He notes that African dust carries particles in a wide range of sizes, such as PM10, PM2.5 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 also reflected in increased hospital admissions.
Special attention is required for residents of urban centers and areas with already low air quality.
Respiratory effect. One of the primary health effects of African dust is its effect on respiratory health. Fine dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. For people with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exposure to these particles can worsen symptoms, leading to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest discomfort.
Allergies and irritation. African dust can cause allergic-type reactions in some people, respiratory tract irritation, nasal congestion, sneezing and watery eyes. People with allergies or sensitivities to environmental factors may experience increased symptoms during periods of increased levels of African dust.
Cardiovascular effects. In addition to respiratory problems, exposure to African dust has been linked to cardiovascular problems. Particulate matter can contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and vasoconstriction, which can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases, especially in vulnerable populations.
Effect on the immune system. Prolonged exposure to African dust can also affect the immune system, making people more vulnerable to respiratory infections and other illnesses. The inflammatory response caused by dust particles can weaken the body’s defenses and make it harder to fight pathogens.
Long-term health risks. Chronic exposure to African dust and its associated pollutants has been associated with long-term health risks, including respiratory disease, reduced lung function, cardiovascular disorders, and even some types of cancer. Continuous exposure to high levels of dust particles can have cumulative health effects over time.
According to a 2020 review of the impact of dust on air quality in Europe, an estimated 42,000 deaths/year are attributed to dust, while in Mediterranean countries it has been estimated that 27-44% of the number of deaths are related to PM10 particles it is due to African dust.
It is important that citizens, and especially those with respiratory problems, take precautions during periods of increased levels of African dust.
Guidelines to help minimize the effects of the phenomenon
Stay informed. Monitor air quality reports and weather forecasts to know when African dust levels are expected to be high.
Limit outdoor activities. If possible, avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors when dust levels are high, especially during windy days when particles are more likely to become airborne.
Close the windows and doors. While homes and workplaces should generally be ventilated, during African dust peak periods, ventilate a little in the morning and then keep windows and doors closed to prevent dust particles from entering your home or workplace. If you have one, use air cleaners or filters to improve indoor air quality.
Use masks. When going outside, especially in dusty conditions, consider wearing a mask to reduce inhalation of dust particles.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. During periods of increased dust levels, it is highly recommended that people with pre-existing respiratory conditions take precautions to minimize the health effects of exposure to dust particles.
Asthma patients may need to increase the dosage or frequency of taking inhaled medications based on the control plan recommended by their doctor to reduce symptoms. It is pointed out that at this stage special attention is recommended to asthmatics, due to spring allergies.
Patients with COPD may need to increase palliative care with inhaled medications.
Until noon on Wednesday, the country will be shrouded in African dust
It is noted that the African dust will persist over Greece until noon on Wednesday, with the phenomenon peaking today, Tuesday.
On Wednesday 24/04 the turn of the winds to the west will result in the limitation of dust in the Dodecanese and its progressive removal towards the east.
Kolydas: The phenomena are receding from Wednesday morning – See graph with the path of the dust
Meteorologists recommend patience as the phenomenon is estimated to leave us gradually on Wednesday. The situation in Messinia and especially in the city of Kalamata is suffocating, with the images circulating on the internet reminiscent of… Libya.
The situation is also difficult in areas of Ilia, with the African dust having obscured the sky, as can be seen from images in the port of Katakolo, on the beach of Karouta and in the area of Zaharos. Landscape in the fog and in Chania with the African dust being intense and the atmosphere suffocating. In fact, today the mercury in the city exceeded 35 degrees Celsius.
Source: protothema.gr
