Greece air pollution: 14 cities rank among worst in Europe

A recent assessment by the European Environment Agency (EEA) reveals a severe air pollution crisis in Greece. All 14 Greek cities included in the study rank within the worst 30% of 761 European cities regarding the estimated mortality risk associated with long-term exposure to pollutants.

Six of these cities fall within the worst 10% of the European ranking, while ten are in the worst 20%. Ioannina holds the lowest position among Greek cities (754th out of 761), followed by Athens (745th), Thessaloniki (729th), Larissa (726th), Volos (654th), and Trikala (697th). Even Chania, which performed best among the group, ranks 540th.

The study evaluates exposure to three primary pollutants: fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3). Key contributors to this pollution include road traffic, industrial activities, and residential heating, particularly wood burning. PM2.5 is noted for its ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system, linking pollution to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.