High dust concentrations are observed today, April 26, 2024, in the atmosphere, according to measurements from the ground Stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network of the Department of Labour Inspection.
As dust contains inhalable fine particles, which may have a negative impact on human health, the public, especially vulnerable groups of the population (children, the elderly, and the sick), are advised to avoid outdoor activities until the phenomenon subsides.
Employers, based on the provisions of the Safety and Health at Work (Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons at Work during Dust Episodes) Decree of 2022 (S.I. 410/2022), must take appropriate measures (organizational or technical) after assessing the risks to their employees who are in outdoor spaces, and employees in such areas are recommended to use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Informative hourly dust concentration values, measured at 7:00 a.m. in the following areas, were:
Nicosia: 98.7 μg/m3
Limassol: 90.2 μg/m3
Larnaca: 102.8 μg/m3
Paralimni: 84.1 μg/m3
Paphos: 58.0 μg/m3
Zygi: 95.6 μg/m3
Agia Marina Xyliatou: 97.5 μg/m3
Note that “dust” refers to 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.
