Air pollution in Athens: existing status and abatement practices

From 1995 traffic of all types of motor vehicles (including taxis and motorcycles, but excluding public buses) was banned from the commercial centre of Athens.

Employees were divided into four major categories with different start and completion times.

Contribution (%) of various pollution sources to the photochemical pollution of Athens
Motor Vehicles / Domestic Heating / Industry
Smoke
Nitrogen oxides
Hydrocarbons
Carbon monoxide
Sulphur dioxide / 68
15
77
100
75 / 18
40
6
-
- / 14
45
17
-
25

As a result of the abatement practices, the level of sulphur dioxide, smoke, nitrogen dioxide and ozone exhibit a gradual decrease in later years. However, the exceeding of the levels of the World Health Organization are still recognized in a higher frequency in the city centre, with the exception of zone which exhibits its higher values in the northern suburbs of Athens. It is anticipated that the completion of the major infrastructural works in Athens (e.g. Metro, peripheral roads, introduction of natural gas, replacement of buses, etc.) will decrease to a considerable extent current atmospheric pollution levels.

In recent years Athens experienced severe air quality problems, which are mostly attributed to motor vehicles and central heating. In addition to these pollution sources, forest fires taking place near urban areas may have a significant impact on the air quality of the city. We investigated this perspective by examining measurements of smoke and ozone taken in several sites within the Athens area for a time period during which a forest fire took place relatively close to Athens. The prevailing meteorological conditions supported the transfer of air masses from the burning forest area to the city. We find strong indications that the products of the forest fire influence significantly the levels of air pollution of the urban area, at least in terms of ozone and smoke.

Athens had some of the worst traffic congestion and air pollution in the world. This posed a new threat to the ancient monuments of Athens, as traffic vibration weakened foundations and air pollution corroded marble. The city's environmental and infrastructure problems were the main reason Athens failed to secure the 1996 centenary Olympic Games.

Athens Today

After this, both the city of Athens and the Greek government, aided by European Union funds, undertook major infrastructure projects such as the new Athens Airport and a new metro system. The city also tackled air pollution by restricting the use of cars in the centre of the city. As a result, Athens was awarded the 2004 Olympic Games. Despite the scepticism of many observers, the games were a great success and brought renewed international prestige (and tourism revenue) to Athens.