Environmental and Health Crisis in Patras Following Wildfires

Scientists are raising serious alarms over the environmental and public health impacts of the recent devastating wildfires in Patras, which raged for two days, destroying many homes and businesses. The fires have blanketed the city in a thick, suffocating cloud, leading to dangerous air pollution and concerns about the safety of drinking water.

The air quality in Patras has deteriorated significantly, largely due to the burning of not only natural biomass but also industrial materials. Demosthenes Sarigiannis, a professor of Environmental Engineering and President of the National Research Foundation, warns that air pollution in the city is two to three times over safety limits.

“In Patras, the value is currently between 35 and 69 micrograms for the finest particles [PM2.5],” he explained. “The limit is 20. So you understand that we are already 2 to 3 times above the safety limit.”

He added that the air contains a dangerous mixture of PM2.5 and PM10 particles, along with carcinogenic organic compounds from combustion. Prolonged exposure to this environment can increase the risk of respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune system problems.

Toxic substances and water contamination in Patras following wildfires

A key concern is that the fires have spread to industrial buildings, releasing highly toxic substances. “It’s not just smoke, it’s the soot itself,” Sarigiannis noted. “There are many areas of mixed combustion where biomass is burned alongside artificial materials, metals, plastics, and rubber. This leads to the release of more dangerous compounds like dioxins and furans.”

Beyond air pollution, there is growing fear that the local aquifer and drinking water network may have been contaminated by ash or direct fire damage.

The Region of Western Greece has announced that it will conduct immediate water quality sampling and analyses to detect any potential contamination. Anna Mastorakou, the Deputy Regional Director of Public Health, confirmed that initial air quality measurements already show poor conditions.

“The situation in Patras due to atmospheric smoke is unbearable. The city is suffering,” she said. “Analyses will be carried out by the Region for water quality, in case there is damage to the water supply network. Also, air quality measurements are already being taken by various stations.”

Mastorakou also advised residents not to allow ash to come into contact with food or food preparation surfaces, as it may contain microparticles and heavy metals.

Health impacts on Patras residents

Local hospitals in Achaia have reported a rise in cases related to smoke exposure, including shortness of breath, intense coughing, and eye irritation. Most patients are being treated at the Rio hospital, with a few cases transferred to Agios Andreas Hospital.

The suffocating atmosphere has also led some businesses to allow employees to leave early, and widespread power outages have been reported in several areas. Health authorities are urging citizens in affected zones to take precautionary measures to protect themselves.

Related: Arson or Negligence: Understanding Greece’s Wildfire Crisis