The risk to the health of the residents of the fire-affected areas who return to their homes is serious, according to Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology Konstantinos Sflomos.
After every fire, pollution arises which has a physical, chemical and psychosomatic dimension
Speaking to ERT, Constantinos Sflomos initially referred to natural pollution, namely that caused by smoke and microparticles that have spread into the atmosphere.
Chemical pollution
These substances have settled, as he said, “in the neighboring areas, such as crops, trees, plants, even houses. Chemical pollution comes from the materials that were burned, such as plastics and building materials, which have now settled on the ground and are circulating in the air.”
“These particles are so small, they go deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream and can cause many health problems, from cancer to respiratory problems,” according to the Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology.
Another, equally important problem that is created for those affected, is the psychosomatic burden, resulting from the visual contact with the burned areas and dealing with the stress from the fires.
“Psycho-somatic pollution is equally important. When you see everything around you in black and have experienced terrible stress, straining the mental world is inevitable,” he explained.
Recommendations for special masks
According to Konstantinos Sflomos, measures must be taken to protect the residents in the affected areas. He suggested the use of special masks to protect against micro-particles and dioxins, as well as the systematic removal and disposal of products and materials contaminated by fires.
He also emphasized that just as firefighters wear special masks, the residents must do the same to protect themselves from dangerous substances.
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