Publication Date:
2017-04-04
Description:
Like other geodynamically active areas, Greece is also affected by a large
number of geogenic gas manifestations. These occur either in the form of point sources
(fumaroles, mofettes, bubbling gases) or as diffuse soil gas emanations. Geogenic sources
release huge amounts of gases, which, apart from having important influences on the global
climate, could also have a strong impact on human health. Gases have both acute and
chronic effects. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulphide are the main gases
responsible for acute mortality due to their asphyxiating and/or toxic properties. Methane
instead represents a risk for its explosive properties. Gas hazards are often disregarded
because in fatal episodes connected to geogenic gases, the cause of death is often not
correctly identified. Due to the fact that geodynamically active areas can release geogenic
gases for millions of years over wide areas, it is important to realistically estimate potential
risks. The present work produced a first catalogue of the geogenic gas manifestations of the
whole Greek territory including relevant literature data. A preliminary estimation of the
correlated risk has been made for the time period of the last 20 years considering the whole
population of Greece. In this period, at least two fatal episodes with a total of three victims
are likely due to exposure to geogenic gases (specifically CO2). This would give a risk of
1.3 9 10-8 fatality from geogenic gas manifestations per annum. This value, although
probably underestimated, is much lower than most other natural or anthropogenic risks.
Description:
Published
Description:
1987–2004
Description:
4.5. Studi sul degassamento naturale e sui gas petroliferi
Description:
JCR Journal
Description:
restricted
Keywords:
Greece
;
gas chemistry
;
gas manifestations
;
Geogenic gas risk
;
04. Solid Earth::04.04. Geology::04.04.12. Fluid Geochemistry
;
04. Solid Earth::04.08. Volcanology::04.08.01. Gases
;
04. Solid Earth::04.08. Volcanology::04.08.08. Volcanic risk
Repository Name:
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Type:
article
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