The Panhellenic Medical Association issued health protection guidelines on Wednesday following widespread wildfires that polluted the atmosphere across affected areas in Greece. The association sounded the alarm for the general population and emphasized heightened risks for vulnerable groups.
The medical group warned that smoke, airborne ash, and chemical gases in burning zones cause immediate and long-term health effects. These substances harm the respiratory system and worsen existing conditions for people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Health Risks and Prevention Measures
Members of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with severe or chronic illnesses, were urged to avoid smoke inhalation. The association advised residents to keep home and car windows closed and to wear high-protection masks whenever outdoor movement is necessary.
The guidelines recommend avoiding all non-essential travel and reducing outdoor exposure as much as possible. Doors and windows should remain shut to block smoke from entering buildings, and old air conditioning units that draw outside air indoors should be turned off, though newer air conditioning models do not pose the same issue.
Guidance for Children and Emergency Care
Young children should play indoors and stay away from beaches and the sea if smoke is detectable in the air. The advisory also stresses the importance of frequent hydration throughout the day for everyone in affected regions.
Anyone experiencing coughing, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, or other symptoms should contact their attending doctor immediately. Separately, Attica Regional Governor N. Hardalias declared zero legal tolerance for those responsible for the West Attica wildfire, as the Region of Attica joined civil prosecution over an alleged July 31 arson in Boeotia while emergency crews monitored West Attica for reignitions.
