High dust concentrations were recorded across Cyprus on Tuesday, with Paphos reaching 172.9 μg/m3 and Larnaca 163.4 μg/m3—more than three times the legal daily limit of 50 μg/m3.
The Department of Labour Inspection urged the public, particularly vulnerable groups including children, the elderly and patients, to avoid outdoor areas until the phenomenon passes.
Measurements from the Air Quality Monitoring Network’s ground stations at 09:00 showed elevated levels across the island: Nicosia recorded 95.5 μg/m3, Limassol 122.9 μg/m3, Paralimni 128.5 μg/m3, Zygi 80.5 μg/m3, and Ayia Marina Xyliatou 70.9 μg/m3.
The department said employers must take appropriate measures—organisational or technical—after assessing risks for employees working outdoors. Workers in such areas are advised to use suitable personal protective equipment.
According to the department, “dust” means inhalable particles in the atmosphere with a diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10). Under relevant legislation, the limit value refers to the daily average and must not exceed 50 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre).
(information from CNA)
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