Dust: Public advised to avoid outdoor activities and exercise in open spaces

The Department of Labour Inspection of the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance, announced today that the hourly concentration of respirable particles in the atmosphere with diameter less than 10 micrometers (PM10), were between the maximum value of 176 μg/m3 and minimum value of 96 μg/m3. 

Consequently it is expected that the average 24hour concentration will exceed the corresponding limit value of 50 μg/m3 as defined by regulations.

Yesterday, Thursday the average concentration of dust particles was between 140 and 230 μg/m3 depending on the location.

Because of the small size of the respirable particles and their negative effect on human health, the public and especially vulnerable groups of the population (children, the elderly, and patients) are advised to avoid outdoor activities and exercising in open spaces during this event.

Also, it is required that employers take appropriate measures (organizational or technical) after assessing risks their employees are facing while working in open spaces. Moreover, it is recommended that workers in open spaces use appropriate means of personal protection.

More information on the measured pollutant concentrations is available online through the website at www.airquality.gov.cy , and also through the application “Air Quality Cyprus” on Google Play and Apple App Store.