In her shadow african dust large areas of our country have been discovered and will remain for another two days, since atmospheric circulation contributed to the transfer of significant quantities into Hellas, especially in the southernmost regions, but also in Cyprus. In fact, in some areas, the presence of particles from Africa was very dense, resulting in heavy clouds and mud showers. In some cases, particle concentrations, also due to the presence of dust, have reached excessive values. For example, according to measurements at the Methoni Observatory station in Athens, concentrations of particles smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10) reached 345.5 µg/m3 before noon on Clean Monday, while for many hours they were above 50 µg/m3. m3.

In Athens on Monday, February 27, all stations Ministry of the Environment an excess of 50 µg/m3 was recorded as an average over 24 hours. In particular, Piraeus and Lyosia stations recorded the highest concentrations (65 µg/m3), followed by Peristeri with 62 µg/m3, Marousi with 59 µg/m3, Likovrisi with 58 µg/m3, Koropi with 58 µg /m3 m3, Aristotelus. Street (center) with 56 µg/m3, as well as Agia Paraskevi, Tracomakedones with 54 µg/m3 and Elefsina with 50 µg/m3. In the case of Attica and other cities, particle concentrations increase in the early evening hours when fireplaces and other heating devices are lit, which release combustion particles into the air…

It should be noted that according to the goal set by the European Union, the average daily value of the concentration of PM10 should not exceed 50 µg/m3 more than 35 times during the year, and for even finer particles 2.5 fine size (PM2 .5) the target value is the average annual value 25 µg/m3. His instructions World Health Organization are much more stringent as they set a target for PM2.5 of, for example, 5 µg/m3. This is because very small particles enter the human body through the respiratory system and can cause serious health problems such as infections, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, etc. The EU declared 10 µg/m3 at PM2.5 as a target for 2030, but progress has been long delayed, apparently due to financial interests.

However, according to researchers athens observatory, the recent African dust “wave” has fortunately traveled at relatively high altitudes and hasn’t greatly affected the levels at which people move and breathe. Thus, the concentrations recorded in both Athens and Crete were up to 60 µg/m3 – high, but not asphyxiating.

The phenomenon of dust transport from Africa to Greece and other southern European countries has become more frequent and intense in recent decades. In fact, dust transport has increased by 55% since the mid-19th century, according to a recent study by scientists at the University of California. The reasons for this trend are related to climate change (increasing drought) as well as modern agricultural development and exploitation of water resources. Everything suggests that the visits of African dust will have to get used to, especially in the spring months.