CYPRUS: Warning over high levels of dust in the atmosphere

After advising people to stay out of the sun, authorities on Wednesday urged vulnerable group-s to stay indoors due to a high concentration of dust levels in the Cyprus atmosphere.

Following a mini-heatwave of maximum temperatures touching 40 degrees Celsius and above, Cypriots must now beware of dust in the air.

The authorities said on Wednesday that the concentration of dust in the atmosphere was more than double the permitted limit.

The Department of Labour Inspection announced that the hourly concentration of respirable particles in ambient air with diameter less than 10 micrometres (PM10), were between the maximum value of 134 μg/m3 and minimum value of 41 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter).

“Consequently, it is expected that the average 24hour concentration will exceed the corresponding limit value of 50 μg/m3 as defined by the relative legislation,” said the Labour Ministry.

Tuesday’s respirable particles ranged lower between 37 and 58 μg/m3 depending on the location.

“Because of the small size of the respirable particles and their negative effect on human health, the public and especially vulnerable groups (children, older people, and patients) are advised to avoid outdoor activities and exercising in open spaces during this event.”

Employers must take the appropriate action after assessing the risks that their employees face while working in open spaces. It is recommended that the workers in open spaces use protection such as masks.

More information on the measured pollutant concentrations is available online at www.airquality.gov.cy.