A wildfire has struck the western suburbs of Athens, Greece, and spread to a scrap metal recycling yard. The facility contained large quantities of plastic cables and discarded batteries, which continued to burn upon contact with the flames, releasing heavy metal particles such as lead and cadmium, as well as highly toxic dioxins, into the atmosphere. Toxic smoke and dust spread with the wind, causing air quality in several residential areas in western Athens to briefly drop to dangerous levels. Local authorities issued an emergency warning, instructing residents to keep doors and windows tightly closed and minimize outdoor activities.
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