Warning from Matina Pagoni about the African dust – What the electron microscope showed about Attica

The high-risk groups were mentioned on Wednesday 24/4 by Matina Pagoni, explaining how they can be affected by the high concentration of African dust in the atmosphere. As he characteristically pointed out, “they may need to change medicines”.

Recommending to those who are already facing health problems these days to stay at home, Matina Pagoni spoke to ERT and the show “Newsroom”: “High-risk groups should not go out or if they have to wear their mask, they do the work they have to do and get home quickly. The same applies to children who have problems with their breathing.”

“Parents should not let children play outdoors,” explained the president of EINAP.

“Those who live in big cities are also affected by noise pollution which is a very strong cocktail”

“More sensitive to this weather phenomenon are those who suffer from allergies and chronic diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”, Matina Pagoni pointed out, referring to the African dust and added: “These groups should contact their personal doctor , because they may have a cough and shortness of breath these days and may need to change their treatment a little.”

“Those who live in big cities are also affected by noise pollution, which is a very strong cocktail”, underlined the president of EINAP adding “one day is left and we should arm ourselves with patience”.

According to Matina Pagoni, the time when we are closed in our homes and to renew the air we can use the air condition, as the new devices filter the air.

African dust: What the EAGME electron microscope showed that analyzed samples from Attica

EAGME collected and analyzed using the new state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope JSM-IT500L, which has the ability to magnify up to 300,000 times, a sample of the African dust that has covered Attica in recent days.

Optically, the powder does not exceed 10μm in size, while its chemical composition includes the elements aluminum (Al), silicon (Si) and calcium (Ca) with a minimum percentage of iron (Fe) and titanium (Ti).

African dust is essentially a plaything that floats and moves due to the wind and its small size. The following photos show the first results from the qualitative analysis of the African dust.

With information from newsbeast.gr, enikos.gr