High dust concentrations are being observed on Monday in the atmosphere, according to measurements from ground stations of the Labour Inspection Department’s Air Quality Monitoring Network.
In a statement, the department said that because dust contains small-sized inhalable particles that may have a negative effect on human health, the public and particularly vulnerable population groups (children, the elderly and patients) are urged to avoid outdoor spaces until the phenomenon passes.
Employers must take appropriate measures (organisational or technical) under the provisions of a decree after assessing the risks for their employees in outdoor spaces, and workers in such areas are advised to use suitable personal protective equipment.
The latest hourly dust concentration values measured at 7:00am were: Nicosia 38.5 μg/m3, Limassol 102.0 μg/m3, Larnaca 85.5 μg/m3, Paralimni 76.2 μg/m3, Paphos 110.3 μg/m3, Zygi 82.1 μg/m3 and Agia Marina Xyliatou 124.3 μg/m3.
“Dust” means 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 metre).
(information from CNA)
