Call for ‘Action Plan’

Prof. Dr. Oğuz Kılınç, a faculty member at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Faculty of Medicine, stated that air pollution in Izmir is 4-5 times higher than normal and called for an ‘urgent action plan’. Pointing out that, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data, the particulate matter defined as PM 2.5 should not exceed 25 micrograms per cubic meter daily, Prof. Dr. Kılınç said, “In Izmir, the microgram value has been measured 100 to 125 since January. A similar situation exists in all districts; there is no safe area.”

Prof. Dr. Oğuz Kılınç, a faculty member at IUE Faculty of Medicine, met with the public at the ‘Science Café’ event, organized simultaneously in 81 cities under the guidance of the Council of Higher Education (YOK) Office of Science Communication, along with last year medical students. At the event, supported by Balçova Municipality, Prof. Dr. Kılınç warned against smoking and air pollution. During the gathering, held at the Balçova Retired Non-Commissioned Officers Association Lounge, where participants' carbon monoxide levels in their breath were also measured, Prof. Dr. Kılınç answered questions posed to him and emphasized that air pollution is a ‘silent killer’. Prof. Dr. Kılınç said, “Izmir has air pollution 4-5 times above the limits permitted by the WHO. Therefore, individual measures alone are not enough; a comprehensive action plan targeting pollutants must be prepared. Industrial gases, forest fires, and industrial facilities that produce polluting dust must be brought under control.”

SCIENCE MEETS THE PUBLIC

Highlighting the importance of bringing scientific studies conducted in universities to the public, Prof. Dr. Kılınç said, “When studies remain in books, they are not useful to the public. We are here to bring science to the public. Today, we also have students among us who will soon become physicians. They are conducting surveys to learn about the factors threatening citizens' health and offering suggestions. I also asked the participants, 'We all have a killer and a thief threatening our lives. Do you know what it is?' They understood I was talking about smoking. They shared their own stories. They talked about people who died from lung cancer or had their legs amputated. We discussed how smoking is an insidious enemy and a thief that steals from life. They asked me what they were curious about. I explained that it is an addiction and a treatable disease, and that nicotine leads to distorted thoughts."

“WE ARE LEARNING ABOUT HABITS”

Defne Pınar Özer (24), a 6th-year medical student who conducted surveys, said, “We are learning about the eating and sleeping habits of the people we interview. We offer them suggestions on how to give up bad habits. We will compile the results and create a portfolio with personalized health recommendations.”

“ADDICTION MUST BE PREVENTED”

Sabri Çevik (73), who attended the event, said, “I quit smoking in 2007. When the professor said, 'There is a killer inside us,' I understood he was talking about smoking. Today, very young children are smoking. This situation must be prevented.” Servet Ulutaş, President of the Balçova Retired Non-Commissioned Officers Association, also said, “This study is very valuable to us. We are grateful to the academics. It was an event that we believe will contribute to the future of our country.”