Adverse Health Effects (Bronchitis Cases) Due to Particulate Matter Exposure: A Twenty-Year Scenario Analysis for the Greater Athens Area (Greece) Using the AirQ+ Model

It is well known that air pollution has a negative impact on human health. Research shown an increasing trend in hospital admissions due to respiratory and heart diseases during after consecutive days of high or even medium levels. The objective this paper provide quantitative qualitative data concerning the long-term health residents living Greater Athens Area (GAA). More accurately, prevalence bronchitis children incidence chronic cases adults particulate matter exposure are estimated utilizing AirQ+ model. For purpose, daily average concentrations with aerodynamic diameter less than equal 10 μm (PM10) from five different locations within GAA, covering period 2001–2020, used. results show significant correlation between PM10 adverse effects (R2 = 0.9). Interestingly, there were more suffering disease adults. In addition, it was observed unhealthiest areas GAA center city (mean annual concentration 2019: 36 μgr/m3), as suburban (Lykovrissi Marousi: mean 2019 27 μgr/m3 28 μgr/m3, respectively). Finally, decreasing for both across through examined 20 years, which significantly higher over 2010–2020.