Vulnerable groups were advised on Tuesday to stay indoors due to increased dust levels in the atmosphere.
According to the Department of Labour Inspection, at 7am this morning the average hourly concentration of particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 10mm (PM 10) in the atmosphere was between 36μg/m3 (microgrammes per cubic metre) and 90μg/m3, exceeding the safe limit of 50μg/m3.
Yesterday, Monday 19th March 2018, the average 24hour concentration of respirable particles was between 32μg/m3 and 56 μg/m3 depending on the location.
Due to the small size of the respirable particles and their negative effect on human health, the public and especially the vulnerable groups of population (children, older people, and patients) are advised to avoid circulating outdoors and exercising in open spaces during this event.
Also, it is required that the employers take the appropriate measures (organizational or technical), after assessing the risks, that their employees are facing while working in open spaces. Moreover, it is recommended that the workers in open spaces use appropriate means of personal protection.
More information on the measured pollutant concentrations is available online through the dedicated website maintained by DLI at www.airquality.gov.cy, and also through the free application “Air Quality Cyprus” on the Google Play and iOS App Store.