Pollution from fireplaces reaches 300 micrograms (with 50 as the limit)

Air pollutants from the smog hit red on Wednesday evening, with scientists recording the highest concentrations of microparticles whose maximum values reached 300 micrograms per cubic meter. The humidity, combined with lack of wind, reintroduced the vast cloud of smog in the Attic sky.

 

The measurements of air pollution stations showed that the concentrations of air pollutants reached 158 micrograms in Likovrisi, 117 in Maroussi and 102 in the centre of Athens. The statutory daily limit is 50 micrograms per cubic meter, which should not be exceeded more than 35 times per year.

 

Since last Wednesday, seven universities and research centres have begun an effort to record both the particulate and air pollution, which will be completed in mid-February. The measurements of 300 micrograms of air pollutants were recorded in this context.

 

Their aim is to identify the sources of pollution and the chemical composition of the particles released into the atmosphere from fireplaces and wood stoves.

 

Scientists leave no doubt about the impact caused by smog on people’s health, pointing out that the burning of wood can cause pollution up to three times higher than cars, heavily influencing the vulnerable population groups. It is characteristic that the measurements by the Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development of the National Observatory of Athens and the NCSR "Demokritos" Research Station monitoring the particulates and air pollutants, showed diffusion of the pollution even in areas outside the urban areas, such as Penteli and Marathon.