Research Project Description:

The principal aim of the research proposal is the investigation of the effects of operation of electrical power stations in Cyprus on air quality, the nearby marine environment and on the health of residents of communities in the vicinity of electrical power stations.  The Medical School research team will build on well-established and previously funded research, and will involve a collaboration between the Departments of Basic and Clinical Sciences and Primary Care and Population Health of the Medical School. It will also establish a collaboration with the University of Nicosia Environmental Health Research Centre for research and other related purposes.

Specifically, the research team will investigate the potential adverse effects of several contaminants associated with the presence and operation of Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) power stations on the marine environment and marine biota, and explore any adverse effects on human health in Cyprus. To this effect, a Research Consortium will be established between the Medical School research team and the UNIC Environmental Health Research Centre, with supporting services contracted out to the Cyprus Research & Innovation Centre (CyRIC) (air monitoring), and the Panchris Group (chemical analyses). For the specific research purposes, three locations will be considered: (a) Dhekelia/Ormideia (EAC power station nearby), (b) Vasilikos/Zygi (EAC power station nearby), and (c) Pissouri (no power station nearby, control location).

Measurements will be made for carcinogenic and neurotoxic heavy metals, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the marine environments near the selected locations. Also, measurements of particulate matter levels in air will be made in these areas by expanding the CyRIC air sensor network. In addition, urine sample analyses of community residents will be conducted, along with the collection of dietary and lifestyle habits questionnaires. Finally, data from the Cyprus Ministry of Health Cancer Registry will be explored in order to evaluate potential associations between the aforementioned contaminants and incidence of the most frequently occurring cancers in these communities.

Principal Investigator(s) and Coordinating Institution(s):

  • Prof Photos Hajigeorgiou (Co-Principal Investigator), University of Nicosia Medical School, Cyprus
  • Dr Elena Critselis (Co-Principal Investigator), University of Nicosia Medical School, Cyprus

Researchers at University of Nicosia Medical School:

  • Dr Nicoletta Nicolaou
  • Dr Chloe Antoniou

**Other Researcher(s) Participating in the Project:

  • Prof Edna Yamasaki Patrikiou

Other Participating Institution(s):

  • University of Nicosia Environmental Health Research Centre
  • Cyprus Research & Innovation Centre (CyRIC)
  • Panchris Group Analytical Laboratory

Research Project Acronym: AETHER

Funding Institution: University of Nicosia Medical School

Funding Programme: 2022 Call of the University of Nicosia Medical School Research Seed Fund

Research Project Status: Ongoing

Start and End Dates: 17 October 2022 – 17 October 2023