Health warning issued over high ozone levels in capital

The Health Ministry is warning people in Athens who have respiratory ailments and heart conditions as well as those with sensitive health to avoid being outdoors due to high levels of ozone.

Air quality meters in three locations around the Athens basin - Nea Smyrni, Liosia and Peristeri - which are part of the pollution monitoring network, recorded ozone levels as high as 205 mg/m3 Monday afternoon. Though it fell short of the 240 mg/m3 level that would be considered hazardous for anyone, it is high enough to be considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Ozone levels were expected to fall in the late afternoon.

According to the Hellenic Meteorological Service, a severe heat wave is expected to hit Greece hard later this week and through the weekend, which may contribute to more air quality concerns across the Greek capital.