Author(s)

N. Moussiopoulos

Abstract

Bad air quality in Athens is a result of high anthropogenic emissions combined with unfavourable topographical and meteorological characteristics. In this paper the so far air pollution abatement in Athens is described and previous analyses regarding urban air pollution levels are reviewed. Moreover, the main results of the' "Athens 2004 Air Quality Study" are summarised. 1 Introduction In September 1997 the International Olympic Committee decided that the XXVIII Olympic Games in 2004 be held in Athens. One of the major issues raised during the evaluation of the Athens bid was the bad air quality in the city. Caused by high anthropogenic emissions, the high air pollution levels in Athens are known to be largely affected by local wind circulation systems which are decisively influenced by the underlying topography. The

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