Exploring the impact of particulate matter on mortality in coastal Mediterranean environments

Short-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Mortality in the Urban Area of Thessaloniki, Greece

“…The dose-response relationships for the natural and cardiorespiratory mortalities for PM 10 and O 3 (not shown here) were found to be linear, as noted in previous studies [46,47,73]. The dose-response relationships for the natural and cardiorespiratory mortalities for PM10 and O3 (not shown here) were found to be linear, as noted in previous studies [46,47,73].…”

“…Vehicular traffic, residential heating [44], biomass burning [49], and industrial emissions [32] are the main origins of air pollutants in Thessaloniki [50], resulting in the deteriorated air quality in the area, especially during years of economic crisis [51]. Dust storms originating from North Africa also significantly contribute to particle pollution in the area [47,52,53].…”

“…However, majority of the literature focuses almost entirely on Athens (e.g., [38,45,46]); only recently has a study by [47] discovered that brief exposure to PM 2.5 and PM 10 in Thessaloniki is connected to an amplified risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.…”

System Integration of an Optimally Designed Virtual Impactor with a QCM Sensor as a One-Stop PM2.5 Classification and Detection Platform

“…Airborne particulate matter has attracted significant attention due to its adverse effects on humans and the environment. − The toxicity of PM depends mostly on its size and composition, such as chemical or trace element content, acid and sulfate content, etc. − The PM size is often of major importance. PM pollution, especially PM 2.5 particles, which have an aerodynamic diameter smaller than or equal to 2.5 μm (called fine particles), poses a serious threat to human health, as they can penetrate the human respiratory system and cause alveolar inflammation or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. − Besides, PM 2.5 particles can transport bacteria, fungi, and heavy metals, increasing the possibility of instigating and transmitting diseases. − Except for health risks, these fine particles can affect the earth’s radiative balance by scattering and absorbing solar radiation and causing reduced visibility. , Therefore, from the point of view of protecting the environment and human health, it is particularly important to monitor the PM 2.5 concentration.…”

Projections of Heat-Related Mortality under the Impact of Climate Change in Thessaloniki, Greece

“…In addition, the relationship between temperature and mortality is widely recognized to be highly dependent on the climate features of a specific region [26]. Therefore, conducting environmental epidemiology studies that are specific to the local region is essential [27], especially when studying regions with additional well-established environmental problems such as poor air quality [28,29].…”