The Heraklion CHC-Lab has experience in studying the impact of climate change-related dessert dust storms on children’s health, and has involved local authorities, social partners, and the media in disseminating knowledge and experience related to this topic.
Despite its large size -it is the largest Greek island- Crete is fairly secluded from the mainland. It is famous for its beaches and high mountains, which attract visitors all year round, with extensive fertile areas where local product is grown. Due to its location in the Mediterranean sea and being the most southern land of Europe, the island is nowadays undergoing various alterations because of the climate change which results in a multifactorial impact, ranging from the health of inhabitants and visitors to livestock and agriculture. These conditions make Crete an ideal setting for the study of climate change effects at least as related to human health, and provide an opportunity to further explore possible mitigation strategies.
Despite its large size -it is the largest Greek island- Crete is fairly secluded from the mainland. It is famous for its beaches and high mountains, which attract visitors all year round, with extensive fertile areas where local product is grown. Due to its location in the Mediterranean sea and being the most southern land of Europe, the island is nowadays undergoing various alterations because of the climate change which results in a multifactorial impact, ranging from the health of inhabitants and visitors to livestock and agriculture. These conditions make Crete an ideal setting for the study of climate change effects at least as related to human health, and provide an opportunity to further explore possible mitigation strategies.
Our CHC laboratory is located in Heraklion, which is also a cultural and scientific centre. With a distinguished University, a tertiary care University Hospital and a renowned Institute of Science and Technology, the laboratory participates in a range of studies, activities and services. Studies linking the health of high-risk groups of children and their families to data on atmospheric composition, air quality and climate change have been conducted (Finokalia Atmospheric Observatory, see Figure below). Previous studies have allowed us to establish connections with the Cretan regional authorities and the local media, two very important actors in applying and disseminating the outcomes of our research.
Our CHC laboratory is located in Heraklion, which is also a cultural and scientific centre. With a distinguished University, a tertiary care University Hospital and a renowned Institute of Science and Technology, the laboratory participates in a range of studies, activities and services. Studies linking the health of high-risk groups of children and their families to data on atmospheric composition, air quality and climate change have been conducted (Finokalia Atmospheric Observatory, see Figure below). Previous studies have allowed us to establish connections with the Cretan regional authorities and the local media, two very important actors in applying and disseminating the outcomes of our research.
Heraklion, Greece
Heraklion is the capital and largest city of Crete, the largest island of Greece. In recent years, the Mediterranean climate has suffered from more severe weather events such as dessert dust storms, heat waves or sudden drops in temperature during the winter. These conditions have increased interest in climate and health research.
Knowledge areas & related content
Finokalia Atmospheric Observatory
University of Crete
A vivid, stimulating educational and research environment with high-standard expertise in climate and environmental research.
University of Crete
A vivid, stimulating educational and research environment with high-standard expertise in climate and environmental research.
School of Medicine
The University campus includes a spacious and functional 24,000 square meter, ten-wing building and a modern, well-equipped University Hospital. The School of Medicine of the University of Crete is committed to excellence in education and training of students, physicians, and biomedical scholars, and has achieved international recognition.
School of Medicine
The University campus includes a spacious and functional 24,000 square meter, ten-wing building and a modern, well-equipped University Hospital. The School of Medicine of the University of Crete is committed to excellence in education and training of students, physicians, and biomedical scholars, and has achieved international recognition.
Finokalia Atmospheric Observatory
The city and
local authorities
The Morosini Spring
Local authorities have a strong commitment to innovative policy research, and extensive previous experience in environmental studies.
Venetian Fortress Koules
The Morosini Spring
The city and
local authorities
Local authorities have a strong commitment to innovative policy research, and previous experience in environmental studies.
Venetian Fortress Koules
The Team
The team is part of a network of scientists with a special interest in climate and health research. Public outreach has been a great advantage, as well as collaboration with local health, environmental and education authorities and schools.
The Team
With extensive experience in clinical research studies and European projects, the team is part of a network of scientists with a special interest in climate and health research. Public outreach has been a great advantage, as well as collaboration with local health, environmental and education authorities and schools.
Relevant Publications
Responses of schoolchildren with asthma to recommendations to reduce desert dust exposure: Results from the LIFE-MEDEA intervention project using wearable technology
Improved indoor air quality during desert dust storms: The impact of the MEDEA exposure-reduction strategies
Health effects of desert dust storm events in the south-eastern Mediterranean: perceptions and practices of local stakeholders
Pediatric asthma symptom control during lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020: A prospective community-based study in Cyprus and Greece
Use of wearable sensors to assess compliance of asthmatic children in response to lockdown measures for the COVID-19 epidemic
The MEDEA childhood asthma study design for mitigation of desert dust health effects: implementation of novel methods for assessment of air pollution exposure and lessons learned
Spatio-temporal variability of desert dust storms in Eastern Mediterranean (Crete, Cyprus, Israel) between 2006 and 2017 using a uniform methodology
Spatio-temporal variability of desert dust storms in Eastern Mediterranean (Crete, Cyprus, Israel) between 2006 and 2017 using a uniform methodology
Contact
Prof. Manolis Galanakis
If you want to know more about the work of the CHC Lab Heraklion please contact: