Oraiokastro: Thousands of toxic and carcinogenic substances from the toxic cloud

Thousands of chemical substances, several of which are highly toxic or even carcinogenic, are being produced by the fire at a recycling plant in Oraiokastro. High-risk groups and instructions on how to use air conditioners.

Experts are sounding the alarm over the toxic cloud created by the fire at the recycling plant in Oraiokastro, pointing out that it poses serious health risks.

Speaking to ERT, Nikos Thomaidis, Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Athens, stated that the burning of plastics and other organic materials produces thousands of chemical substances, several of which are highly toxic or even carcinogenic.

“The combustion of such materials generates thousands of substances. There are categories that are classified as highly toxic, and some as carcinogenic,” he noted, explaining that the cloud includes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, volatile organic compounds, metals, and other dangerous substances.

He placed particular emphasis on $PM_{2.5}$ particulate matter, which, as he said, is inhalable and represents the primary and most significant health burden.

High-risk groups

According to the professor, vulnerable groups and individuals facing respiratory issues should not be exposed to the cloud at all.

“People with serious respiratory problems and vulnerable groups in general should have absolutely no contact with such clouds,” he underlined.

At the same time, he recommended staying indoors with windows closed, as well as the correct use of air conditioners.

How air conditioners should be used
Nikos Thomaidis clarified that air conditioners should operate exclusively on indoor air recirculation mode and not by drawing in air from the outdoor environment.

As he explained, otherwise, contaminated air could enter the interior of homes, increasing citizens’ exposure to pollutants.

The cloud travels long distances, even reaching Attica
The professor noted that the cloud is not confined to the Thessaloniki region but is being transported through the atmosphere.

“The cloud has already reached Attica as well. Particle detection has been recorded in Attica too,” he stated, adding that the pollutants are expected to disperse across a large part of the Aegean, Central, and Southern Greece, with their concentrations gradually decreasing the further they move from the source of the fire.

First symptoms of exposure

Referring to the health impacts, the professor explained that the first symptoms following exposure to this type of cloud are a strong odor and irritation.

“The first symptom is irritation. The odor alerts us that we need to protect ourselves. When irritation begins, it means we have reached a level of severe exposure,” he emphasized.