High concentrations of dust are observed in the atmosphere today according to the measurements of the Ground Stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network of the Labor Inspection Department.
Because the dust contains small-sized inhalable particles that are likely to have a negative effect on human health, the public and especially vulnerable population groups (children, the elderly and the sick) are urged to avoid moving in open spaces until the phenomenon has passed.
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 (C.D.P. 410/2022) must take the appropriate measures (organizational or even technical), after assessing the risks for their employees who are in open spaces. The workers in such places are recommended to use appropriate means of personal protection.
Informatively, the last hourly dust concentration values measured at 9:00 a.m. in the following areas were:
Nicosia:
112,6 μg / m3
Limassol:
131,6 μg / m3
Larnaca:
139,3 μg / m3
Lakeside:
176,4 μg / m3
Paphos:
94,7 μg / m3
Scales:
97,9 μg / m3
Agia Marina Xyliatou:
73,6 μg / m3
Note that "dust" means inhalable particles in the atmosphere less than 10 μm in diameter (PM10). According to the relevant legislation, the limit value refers to the average daily value and should not exceed the value of 50 μg / m3 (micrograms per cubic meter).
More information and continuous, immediate information on the results of the hourly measurements can be found on the website www.airquality.gov.cy and on the "Air Quality Cyprus" application, which can be installed for free on a mobile phone.