High concentrations of dust are observed today, February 12, 2024, in the atmosphere, according to measurements from the ground stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network of the Department of Labour Inspection.
Since dust contains inhalable particles of small size, which may have a negative impact on human health, the public, especially vulnerable groups of the population (children, elderly, and sick individuals), are urged to avoid circulating in open spaces until the phenomenon passes.
Employers, based on the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work (Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons at Work during Dust Episodes) Decree of 2022 (P.D. 410/2022), must take appropriate measures (organizational or technical) after assessing the risks to their employees in open spaces, and employees in such spaces are advised to use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Informatively, the latest hourly dust concentration values measured at 9:00 in the following areas were:
It is noted that “dust” means inhalable suspended particles in the atmosphere with a diameter smaller than 10 μm (PM10). According to relevant legislation, the limit value refers to the average daily value and must not exceed 50 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter).
For more information and continuous, immediate updates on the results of hourly measurements, visit the website www.airquality.gov.cy and the “Air Quality Cyprus” application, which can be installed for free on a mobile phone.
