Radon does not smell: a seismologist cooled rumors about the smell of gas in Athens

Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos commented on the smell of gas in Attica and explained why the earthquake version does not look convincing.

After the strong smell of gas, which May 19 alarmed the residents Atticaa seismological version also appeared in the Greek public field. It was commented on by a famous seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulosemphasizing that he does not believe the smell is related to a possible upcoming earthquake.

The reason for the discussion was messages from residents from different areas Athens and Attica about the strong smell of gas. The day before, appeals were received from the southern suburbs, the center of the capital and areas of Piraeus. Authorities carried out inspections, and gas network services, according to media reports, found no signs of leakage in the main and distribution systems.

Against this background Gerasimos Papadopoulos wrote on social networks that the smell in Attica, in his opinion, not related to the upcoming earthquake. He noted that the reasons should be sought elsewhere, although he himself is not an expert on gas emissions.

“The smell in Attica, I think, has nothing to do with the approaching earthquake. The reasons need to be looked for elsewhere, but I’m not an expert,” the seismologist wrote.

At the same time Papadopoulos recalled that before strong earthquakes, in some cases, the release of gases was actually observed, including radon. However, there is an important detail here that all panic lovers conveniently forget: radon has no odor and is detected only by special devices.

“Before large earthquakes, the release of noble gases such as radon has been observed in some cases. But they are odorless and can be detected by appropriate meters. This is not the case here,” he explained.

Why doesn’t the radon version explain the smell?

Radon – a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be released from soil and rocks. It is actually studied in relation to geological processes, including fault zones. However, the key fact is simple: radon cannot be smelled with your nose. It has no color, no smell, no taste; Its presence can only be determined by measurements. This is also indicated EPA And USGS. EPA, USGS

Therefore, the pungent odor, which residents described as a gas or chemical odor, cannot be directly attributed to radon. In other words, if people smell it en masse, we are almost certainly talking about another source: household or industrial gas, a chemical substance, emissions, transportation or other man-made cause. This should be sorted out by specialized services, not by apocalypse lovers in the comments.

Panic is faster than facts

The situation with the smell of gas in Attica showed how quickly an ordinary alarm turns into a chain of versions: leakage, industrial emissions, port, sea, Revitus, earthquake. In such cases, society expects quick and clear answers from the authorities. When there are no answers or they are delayed, the empty space is instantly filled with rumors.

That’s why the comment Papadopoulos is important not as a final explanation of the cause of the smell, but as cutting off one of the most alarming versions. Yes, before some earthquakes changes in gas emissions were recorded. No, this does not mean that any strange smell in the city is a harbinger of a strong earthquake. This logic is only suitable for social networks, where cause-and-effect relationships often lead to young people dying.

Editorial comment

The main conclusion here is simple: the smell in Attica requires investigation, but not panic. If gas services do not find a leak, the authorities are obliged to explain where the smell came from and why it was felt in different areas at once. But linking it to an earthquake without data is no longer caution, but the production of fear.

In a normal situation, government services should quickly give people not only reassuring phrases, but also a clear picture: where they checked, what was excluded, what versions remain. Until this happens, each new hypothesis will live its own life. And, as usual, it is not the most accurate versions that will spread the fastest, but the scariest ones.

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