Atmospheric pollution is today the second most important cause of lung cancer worldwide, after smoking, he points out, citing studies, the AUTH Environmental Engineering Professor and Coordinator of the European project Urbanome, Demosthenes Sarigiannis.

Speaking to RES-EIA on the occasion of the International Congress on the Urban Exhibition, which is being organized July 7-8 at KEDEA, as a final event of the five-year Urbanome research program, he notes that the microparticles in the atmosphere cause inflammation in the epithelium. At the same time, he explains that pollution affects the microbiome of upper respiratory tract – the body’s natural filter – and causes biochemical changes directly related to the development of lung cancer.

“When there is constant inflammation there is a chance of developing cancer. So there is a significant interconnection with lung cancer. The truth is that there are studies that say that after active smoking – which is the first risk factor – the second largest risk factor for the development of lung cancer worldwide is air pollution, especially from particles, ”notes Sarigiannis.

The conference will highlight the results of Urbanome, a large program focusing on the “Urban Exhibition” – that is, on all environmental, social and behavioral factors exposed by cities, such as anxiety, pollution, green, diet and exercise.

The research covers about 10 European cities, including Thessaloniki, with data analysis not only of quality but also biochemicals and clinics. Urbanome was also of particular importance to the Citizen Science, that is, the participation of the residents themselves in the design and design of the research project based on their experiences. “The citizen knows the problem of his city better than us,” he says.

The results of the project lead to suggestions for targeted interventions both at the individual level – such as the intake of antioxidants or physical activity in a natural environment – as well as at the level of urban design: creating green pockets, reducing pollution at specific points, increasing contact with the liquid element.

The ultimate goal, as the professor points out, is healthy aging and shaping cities that enhance the health of their residents, rather than undermine it.

“During the project we were able to bring the citizen together with the researcher and together to create interventions and tools to effectively address the impact of environmental risks on public health. We have thus proved that we could the citizens and researchers of ten European cities involved in the program (including Thessaloniki and Athens) work together to improve the quality of life and public health, ”concludes Mr. Sarigiannis.

During the conference, the research results of the project will be announced, and awards will be given to citizens who participated in the research.

The conference is hybrid and anyone who wishes can attend it online by completing the appropriate form and following the link: https://www.auth.gr/conferences/diethnes-synedrio-gia