High concentrations of dust in the atmosphere, prompted health advisory from authorities in Cyprus. According to measurements from ground stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network of the Department of Labour Inspection, significant levels of dust particles have been recorded across several regions.

These concentrations exceed regulatory limits, raising concerns about potential health risks for the population, particularly vulnerable groups. As a result, authorities are urging caution and recommending measures to mitigate exposure to the airborne particles until conditions improve.

According to the Department of Labour Inspection, the latest hourly dust concentration values recorded at 08:00 a.m. Wednesday were 100.8 μg/m3 in Nicosia, 75.5 μg/m3 in Limassol, 87.2 μg/m3 in Larnaca, 70.4 μg/m3 in Paralimni, 67.6 μg/m3 in Paphos, 47.8 μg/m3 in Zygi, and 30.8 μg/m3 in Agia Marina Xyliatou.

According to relevant legislation, the limit value refers to the daily mean value and must not exceed 50 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter).

In a press release, the Department of Labour Inspection urges vulnerable groups (children, the elderly, and the sick), to avoid outdoor activities until the phenomenon subsides. Furthermore, employers are advised, to take appropriate measures (organisational or technical) after assessing the risks to their employees who are outdoors.

Employees in such areas are recommended to use appropriate personal protective equipment.

It is noted that “dust” refers to inhalable suspended particles in the atmosphere with a diameter smaller than 10 μm (PM10).