From the emergence of crises bronchial asthma even more serious problems, such as myocardial infarction, can cause atmospheric pollutants to people’s health. There are many examples of this, most notably the increase in the number of hospitalizations in the country’s pulmonology clinics, observed during the financial crisis, when wood burning increased significantly in fireplaces as well as wood stoves as a cheaper solution for home heating. Atmospheric pollutants, such as particulate matter, can aggravate an already existing health problem, and in the long term act cumulatively, mainly affecting the lungs and circulatory system.

Such as notes on “K” director-coordinator of the pulmonology department of the hospital “Evangelismos”, George Bulbasakos“Atmospheric pollutants, such as suspended microparticles caused by internal combustion engines and fireplaces, when inhaled into the lungs, can cause a kind of inflammation and act as allergens, causing asthma attacks and chronic respiratory lung disease. They also act cumulatively, which means that over time and with constant human exposure to pollutants, especially if they are toxic, pulmonary fibrosis can occur.” This means that the lungs lose their structure and architecture, resulting in an irreversible reduction in the ability to diffuse oxygen.

Suspended microparticles exacerbate pre-existing health problems, and in the long term they act cumulatively, mainly affecting the lungs and circulatory system.

Cardiovascular risks

Kostas Tutuzas, Professor of Cardiology and Head of the Department of Structural Heart Diseases at the 1st EKPA University Cardiology Clinic at the Hippocrates Hospital, points out to “K” that both epidemiological studies and basic research have shown that air pollution increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. “Studies have shown that in areas with high levels of carbon dioxide pollution, residents have increased rates of cardiovascular disease and blood pressure, as well as hospitalizations for heart disease. The most dangerous pollutants are suspended particles below PM2.5, as well as ozone,” notes the professor. He continues: “They cause oxidative stress, inflammation of the arteries, endothelial dysfunction and vasospasm, which can lead to myocardial infarction, exacerbate an existing cardiovascular problem and increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths from cardiovascular diseases. Clearly, high-risk individuals have a more immediate risk. For example, a smoker, diabetic, overweight, and generally a person with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease will be more exposed to air pollutants than a person without these risk factors. .