Authorities issue air quality warning

State officials issued an air quality warning for Thursday as increased levels of dust particles could pose a health risk to some groups.

The Labour Inspection Department issued a statement saying airborne particles on Thursday around 7am were much higher than the safety threshold, registering between 99 μg/m3 and 271 μg/m3.

This is up to five times over the safety threshold, exceeding the safe limit in any given hour which is 50 µg/m3, according to the ambient air quality standards for particulate matter. The standard is the maximum amount of airborne particles that can be present outdoors without threatening the public's health.

The average lows and highs on Wednesday over a 24-hour period were between 31 and 79, while Thursday's average measurements for the entire 24-hour period are expected to register even higher.

Employers are expected to assess the risk for their employees and take appropriate measures, if any workers must work outside in the open air, it was said in the Labour statement.

Other groups identified in the warning included senior citizens, children, and people facing health issues, all of whom are being advised to avoid spending time outdoors until air quality is normal again.

More information can be accessed by visiting the site Air Quality in Cyprus or through the Air Quality Cyprus phone app available in Google Play and iOS App Store.