High dust concentrations are observed in the atmosphere on Friday according to measurements from the ground stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network of the Labour Inspection Department.
In a press release the Department explains that due to the fact that dust contains small inhalable particles that are likely to have a negative impact on human health, the public and especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and the sick, are advised to avoid going outdoors until the phenomenon has passed.
Employers are also encouraged to take appropriate measures (organisational and/or technical) after assessing the risks to their employees in open spaces, and workers in such areas are recommended to use appropriate personal protective equipment.
In particular, the latest hourly dust concentration values measured at 7:00 a.m. in the following areas were:
Nicosia: 88,7 µg/m3
Limassol: 81,3 µg/m3
Larnaca: 66,2 µg/m3
Paralimni: 65,5 µg/m3
Paphos: 63.5 µg/m3
Zygi: 54,4 µg/m3
Agia Marina Xyliatou: 48,0 µg/m3
It is noted that ‘dust’ is defined as respirable particulate matter in the atmosphere with a diameter of less than 10 µm (PM10). According to the relevant legislation, the limit value refers to the daily average value and must not exceed 50 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre).
Source: Cyprus News Agency