Forty nights of smog in winter
There was no reduction in the frequency with which smog, caused by smoke from fireplaces, blanketed Athens this winter compared to the previous one, researchers said Thursday.
In total, there was smog in Athens for 40 nights between November 1 and the end of February, which is exactly the same as the previous winter.
“We are concerned about what might happen during a colder winter,” said Vangelis Gerasopoulos, research director of the Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development.
Authorities have issued numerous warnings over the last few years for Greeks to reduce their use of fireplaces. Many households have turned to burning wood to heat their homes as a way to avoid buying more expensive heating oil.
