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The earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey drew immediate attention to the safety of travellers and the status of international tourism in the region. Maya Lomidze, who leads the Russian Association of Tour Operators, emphasized that the quake originated in the southeast, a part of Turkey that is distant from main tourism districts. DEA News reported these remarks. The focus shifted quickly to whether Russian tourists were already in the affected zones and what kind of impact might be expected on travel arrangements and future visits to the country.

According to Lomidze, there were no organized groups of Russian tourists in the earthquake hit areas at that moment. He noted that the seismic event did not occur within the tourism corridor, and there were no large clusters of Russian travelers undergoing planned itineraries in the zones near the epicenter. The association was monitoring the situation and stated that there was no available data suggesting Russian tour participants had sustained injuries or were otherwise affected in a direct way at that time.

Speaking about the incident, Lomidze reaffirmed that the earthquake did not take place in the tourism region that typically hosts international visitors. He highlighted that Russian tour operators were not reporting organized tours targeting those districts, and he underscored the early caution exercised by companies arranging trips. While uncertainty remained in the immediate aftermath, the message from the association was clear about the absence of confirmed Russian tourist victims in the quake zones according to the latest information available.

The earthquake occurred on the night of February 6 and registered a magnitude of 7.4. The quake centered itself in the Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, a region that sits away from the most frequented holiday towns but which nonetheless has personal connections for many travellers. The disaster led to a substantial loss of life and a wave of injuries, with dozens of communities facing urgent rescue and recovery operations. Local authorities and disaster response teams mobilized rapidly to assess structural damage, deliver essential supplies, and establish temporary shelters for residents and any visitors caught in the disruption. The human impact extended beyond the immediate area, as surrounding provinces faced aftershocks and ongoing safety concerns. The broader region faced a complex emergency response with many partners coordinating to support medical facilities, transportation corridors, and shelter arrangements for those displaced by the tremors.

The tremors did not stop at Turkey’s borders. The quake shook neighboring Syria as well, affecting the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama, and Tartus. In those areas, authorities reported more than a hundred casualties, and relief efforts were stepped up to manage the short and long term consequences of the disaster. The response involved regional government bodies and various aid organizations working to clear debris, restore essential services, and deliver humanitarian relief to affected communities. Authorities in Syria signaled their intention to continue coordinated actions aimed at alleviating the immediate dangers and supporting ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of the event.

Houseplants can influence indoor microclimate and air quality, which in turn supports health. When selecting indoor greenery, it is important to consider each plant’s unique traits, since some species like ficus and ivy can be toxic if not handled with care. This guidance comes from a medical science candidate and immunologist specializing in allergies at the Hadassah clinic branch in Skolkovo.

The expert notes that volatile organic compounds are the main pollutants in indoor air. Their sources include building materials, adhesives, furniture, and dust from household and transportation sources.

There is a clear link between airborne particulates and lung function, oxygen levels, and the development of asthma in children as well as COPD symptoms in adults. Elevated levels of volatile compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, and xylene have been linked to inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, asthma symptoms, and a higher cancer risk. Houseplants can be especially helpful for elderly individuals with cardiovascular conditions.

Experts emphasize that proper ventilation, air exchange, and the use of air filters are effective at reducing particulates, and arranging the indoor space thoughtfully can lower volatile organic substance concentrations.

Some houseplants may naturally reduce several volatile organic compounds that are harmful to humans, including benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, which can cause breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and throat soreness.

For effective air purification, about one plant per 100 square feet of room space, roughly 9.29 square meters, is suggested. Plants such as dracaena, chrysanthemum, clusia, ficus, ivy, spider plant, and pothos are cited for their strong abilities to remove volatile organic compounds from the air.

The antimicrobial effects of plants on indoor air composition in confined spaces have also been documented. Some studies note that crested chlorophytum shows notable sanitary properties, with eucharis and pelargonium also demonstrating such benefits.

However, it is important to consider each plant’s characteristics when choosing specimens. For instance, certain plants can irritate the skin through their sap, and some leaves may be toxic if ingested. If children or pets are present, extra caution is advised with toxic varieties. Additionally, some flowering plants, especially certain cereals and dusty blooms, along with fungi in soil and roots, can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

There is also caution about washing fruits and vegetables with peels due to potential intestinal exposure risks in some cases.