Elevated dust concentrations in the atmosphere have been observed today, Wednesday, according to measurements from the ground-based air quality monitoring network of the Department of Labour Inspection.
The Department stated that “since dust contains small inhalable particles that may have a negative impact on human health, the public, especially vulnerable groups of the population such as children, the elderly, and the sick, are advised to avoid outdoor activities until the phenomenon subsides.”
Furthermore, employers, in accordance with the provisions of the Safety and Health at Work (Practical Code for the Protection of Persons at Work during Dust Episodes) Decree of 2022 (K.D.P. 410/2022), are required to take appropriate measures (organisational and technical) after assessing the risks for their employees in outdoor areas.
Employees in such areas are recommended to use suitable personal protective equipment.
According to the announcement, the latest hourly dust concentration values measured at 7:00 a.m. were as follows: Nicosia 73.6 μg/m3, Limassol 77.2 μg/m3, Larnaca 85.8 μg/m3, Paralimni 66.2 μg/m3, Paphos 66.2 μg/m3, Zygi 70 μg/m3, and finally, Ayia Marina Xyliatou 72.2 μg/m3.
