Air Pollution Crisis in Greek Cities: Levels Exceed EU Limits, Threatening Public Health

Athens, Thessaloniki, and other Greek urban centres are grappling with alarming levels of air pollution, surpassing permissible European Union (EU) thresholds, according to a recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) for 2024.

The findings highlight Greece’s struggle with environmental challenges, positioning air pollution as Europe’s top environmental health risk and raising urgent concerns for the country’s residents.

Despite a gradual decline in air pollution across Europe over recent decades, the EEA report reveals that 94% of the EU’s urban population remains exposed to fine particulate matter (PM10) levels exceeding the stricter guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO). In Greece, the situation is particularly dire in Athens and Thessaloniki, where concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and fine particulates consistently breach EU standards, posing significant risks to public health.

Nitrogen Dioxide: A Growing Threat in Urban Centres
In Athens, NO2 levels are nearly double the EU’s annual limit of 40 mg/m³. Measurements at the Patission Street station averaged 70 mg/m³, while Piraeus recorded 64 mg/m³. Thessaloniki’s Agia Sofia station also exceeded the limit, registering 43 mg/m³. When compared to the WHO’s far stricter guideline of 10 mg/m³, the severity of the problem in Greece’s two largest cities becomes starkly apparent. Road traffic, especially in densely populated areas, is identified as the primary source of NO2 emissions, alongside industrial combustion and energy production.

Ozone Levels Spike Across Greece
Ozone (O3) concentrations are another major concern, with the EU’s average threshold of 120 mg/m³ exceeded at multiple monitoring stations. In Athens, eight areas—including Agia Paraskevi, Thrakomakedones, Botanikos, Lykovrysi, Marousi, and Liosia—recorded levels ranging from 121 mg/m³ to 132 mg/m³. Koropi and Peristeri hovered near the limit. Thessaloniki saw even higher peaks, with Kalamaria hitting a nationwide record of 138 mg/m³, followed by Kordelio and Panorama. Neochorouda (123 mg/m³) and Aliartos in Viotia (123 mg/m³) also exceeded safe levels. Ozone forms through chemical reactions triggered by heat and sunlight, involving nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from both human and natural sources, worsened by meteorological factors.

Fine Particulates Endanger Public Health
Fine particulate matter (PM10), particles smaller than 10 micrometers, also exceeds the EU’s daily limit of 50 mg/m³ in several areas. In Athens, Liosia recorded the highest concentration at 60 mg/m³, followed by Piraeus (57 mg/m³), Kordelio (58 mg/m³), and Peristeri (51 mg/m³). Thessaloniki’s Agia Sofia station logged 55 mg/m³. Other regions, including Aliartos and Patra, reported elevated levels as well. These particles, primarily emitted from residential fuel burning, industrial activities, agriculture, and traffic, are especially harmful, penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

Sources and Health Impacts
The report attributes Greece’s air pollution crisis to heavy vehicle traffic, which drives NO2 spikes, and household heating systems that release dangerous PM10 particles. Industrial processes and energy generation further compound the issue. The health implications are profound, with air pollution linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

A Broader European Challenge
While Greece stands out for its exceeding levels, the EEA notes that air pollution remains a continent-wide issue, exacerbated by transboundary pollutant flows and weather patterns. For Greece, addressing this crisis will require tackling urban traffic congestion, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations. As the data underscores, the stakes are high—not just for the environment, but for the well-being of millions across the country.

(Source: In.gr)