The Panhellenic Medical Association has issued protective recommendations to safeguard citizens from atmosphere polluted by wildfires. The medical body placed special emphasis on vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic or severe health conditions.
Smoke, airborne ash, and chemical gases in active fire areas create immediate and long-term health risks. These hazards affect the respiratory system and aggravate existing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The association urged vulnerable individuals to avoid smoke inhalation by keeping house and vehicle windows closed and wearing high-protection masks when going outside is necessary.
Recommended protection measures
To reduce exposure, the association outlined specific health precautions for the public:
- Avoid non-essential travel and minimize time spent outdoors.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from entering indoor spaces.
- Turn off older air conditioning units that draw outside air into homes, though newer models do not pose the same issue.
- Keep young children playing indoors and away from beaches or the sea if smoke is detectable in the air.
- Maintain frequent hydration throughout the day.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as coughing, exhaustion, dizziness, or headache should contact their doctor immediately, according to news agency APE-MPE.
