Alert issued over air pollution in Athens

The Health Ministry on Thursday warned elderly Athenians as well as those suffering from breathing problems to remain indoors due to high levels of pollution in the city.

At 3 p.m. on Thursday, a weather station in Thrakomakedones, northern Athens, recorded ground level ozone at 209 mg/m3 when the warning limit is 180 mg/m3.

The ministry also advised parents to keep their children from engaging in intense physical activity.

The rise in pollution has coincided with increasing temperatures.

The current mini heat-wave is expected to last until the end of the week.