Nicosia, Cyprus. The Labour Inspection Department warned on Monday that high dust levels are affecting air quality in several parts of Cyprus and may harm vulnerable groups inhaling small particles.
Highest readings and monitoring data
The department’s air monitoring network reported that as of 10am, Limassol recorded 133 μg/m3 and Paphos recorded 191.0 μg/m3, the highest dust concentrations on the island. Lower levels were recorded in Paralimni at 83.8 μg/m3, Larnaca at 65.1 μg/m3 and Ayia Marina Xyliatou at 53.5 μg/m3.
Legal threshold and definition of dust
The department said the measurements still exceed the limit value set out in legislation, which stipulates that the average daily value must not exceed 50 μg/m3. It added that in this context, dust is defined as inhalable suspended particles in the atmosphere with a diameter of less than 10 μm.
Guidance for employers and vulnerable groups
Employers were requested to conduct a risk assessment on the effects of the phenomenon on employees working in open spaces and to implement appropriate measures, including organisational rearrangements or the provision of protective gear if deemed necessary. The department also appealed to vulnerable population groups, including children and the elderly, advising them to avoid moving outdoors until the phenomenon has passed to prevent possible negative health impacts.
Updates and recent context
Further information and updates on hourly measurements are available at www.airquality.gov.cy and on the Air Quality Cyprus application. The department noted that elevated dust levels affected the island for several days last month due to disturbances over northern regions of Africa that transported dust toward Cyprus.
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