Pollution in Attica is at dangerous levels

Pollution concentrations in Attica have reached record levels. The levels of suspended PM10 particles (10 microns in diameter) reached 9 a.m. at the measuring station of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (RIS) in Aristotelous 363 μg / m3, when based on the European limit, prices on a 24-hour basis should not exceed 50 μg / m3.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set the corresponding limit much lower, at 25 μg / m3. Recently, the concentrations in the Center dropped to 223 μg / m3, however, remaining far above the limits.

However, the much more dangerous PM 2.5 was high, which due to its much smaller diameter (2.5 microns) is considered even more dangerous for public health. At Aristotelous Street they reached 200 μg / m3 at 8 a.m., an hour later at 285 μg / m3 and a few minutes ago at 122 μg / m3. In Piraeus at the same hours they reached 107 μg / m3, 89 μg / m3 and 44 μg / m3 respectively. The average 24-hour value for PM 2.5 has been set by the WHO at 25 μg / m3.

In particular, the air pollution in Attica in the last hours shows fluctuations depending on the region and the weather conditions. According to RIS data at 8 p.m. the concentrations of PM10 were at the measuring station of Peristeri at 204 μg / m3, in Aristotelous at 220 μg / m3, in Piraeus at 201 μg / m3, in Liosia at 110 μg / m3, in Maroussi at 91 μg / m3 and in Koropi at 99 μg / m3.

An hour later, at 9 a.m. PM10 levels had reached 186 μg / m3 in Peristeri, 363 μg / m3 in Aristotelous, 393 in Nea Smyrni, 164 μg / m3 in Piraeus, 97 μg / m3 in Liosia, 93 μg / in Maroussi m3 and in Koropi at 89 μg / m3.

At 10 a.m. in Liosia reached 193 μg / m3 while concentrations were reduced in Nea Smyrni to 295 μg / m3 and in Piraeus to 127 μg / m3, however remaining at high levels.

However, it is not just particulate pollution, as high temperatures have pushed up photochemical ozone emissions and increased nitrogen dioxide in the center of the capital.