The Association of Respiratory Physicians of Greece is making recommendations to vulnerable and sensitive population groups, due to the increased concentration of African dust in the atmosphere that has been affecting the country in recent hours.

“African dust contains transported particles which can be integrated with pollen, bacteria and fungi, creating a highly toxic and dangerous mixture for the human body and especially for the respiratory system”, the Association notes.

It adds: “During the hours with the highest dust concentrations, both unnecessary travel and outdoor sports should be avoided and it is recommended to stay indoors in well-ventilated indoor areas.”

What to do if you develop clinical symptoms

“If clinical symptoms occur, for example, difficulty breathing, severe and irritating cough with possible expectoration, chest pain, persistent sneezing, tearing and gnashing of the voice, individuals should seek immediate medical help and advice,” the association stresses.

In fact, it strongly recommends that patients “suffering from chronic respiratory problems, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma, if they experience symptoms consistent with an exacerbation or worsening of the stable course of the disease, should be in constant contact with their treating physician for possible modification of their medication and obtaining additional medical care.”

The hottest March in 20 years with an explosive cocktail of African dust

Temperatures close to or above the highest recorded in at least the last twenty years in most parts of the country for the month of March were recorded on Wednesday (27/3).

Significantly, in Gazi the thermometer exceeded the record of March 31, 2009, which was 25 degrees, reaching 25.3 degrees. Similarly in Crete, the temperature in many areas exceeded 30 and even 32 degrees.

As pointed out, speaking to protothema.gr, the director of research of the Athens Observatory, Kostas Lagovardos, these are temperatures that reach or exceed the records for the month of March.

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In fact, as the last three days of the month are expected to have temperatures above normal for the season, the average temperature of the month is expected to rise even more.

“From July onwards, months are being recorded that have more heat than the average normal,” he said, noting that with the exception of areas in northern Greece where the thermometer today did not exceed the average normal for the season, the rest of the regions were out of normal.

Both today and tomorrow conditions favour the transport of dust from Africa, so the atmosphere will remain muggy, and after a slight drop in temperature over the weekend, data so far indicate that early next week will see a new warm invasion with a new rise in temperature.

As for the highest temperatures, according to meteo, the mercury reached its highest point in Alikianos, Chania, which showed 32.6 degrees, while in the centre of Chania it showed 32.5 degrees.