Speaking on the “Alpha Summer” program, Dr. Chrysanthos Savvidis, Head of the Air Quality Service.
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“It is a given that such emergencies affect air quality,” he said, explaining that when the atmosphere is altered, it can cause problems for human health. As he noted, in such cases, the relevant authorities and the Air Quality Division recommend that people stay away from the affected areas, as substances are released into the atmosphere that should not be inhaled.
When asked whether any impact on air quality has been observed during this period, Dr. Savvidis noted that in areas where fires are burning, it is a natural consequence that the atmosphere is also affected.
Nine monitoring stations in Cyprus
Dr. Savvides also referred to the air quality monitoring network in Cyprus, noting that nine stations are currently in operation. Most are located in central areas of cities, while four stations are scattered across different regions of the island.
As he explained, when a fire occurs far from a monitoring station, it is nearly impossible for the system to detect it immediately.
“If a person finds themselves within the fire’s smoke plume, it is certain that they will be seriously affected,” he said, explaining that the extent of the impact depends, among other things, on the body’s defenses and on whether the person belongs to a vulnerable population group.
How the Subsystems Are Affected
Referring to the area surrounding a fire, Dr. Savvidis noted that within a distance of up to about 300 meters, the atmosphere is affected to a degree that directly impacts the air people breathe. However, the smoke does not remain in one place but is carried by the wind, and as it moves away, it can rise to a greater height above the ground.
As he explained, while humans may not be directly affected, other environmental subsystems may be impacted. He cited as an example an incident that would occur during the winter, when there is rainfall. Substances that have entered the atmosphere can, through rain, be carried to the ground and crops, and subsequently, via dams and other water systems, affect the food chain.
For this reason, he emphasized that the phenomenon should be monitored holistically and not solely from the perspective of air quality.
In closing, Dr. Savvidis advised the audience that, in the event of a fire or exposure to smoke, they should evacuate the area and let the relevant authorities do their job.
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