Authorities urge vulnerable groups to stay indoors
Cyprus dust levels were exceptionally high on Friday, according to measurements from the ground stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network operated by the Department of Labour Inspection.
In a statement, authorities said the dust contains fine inhalable particles that may negatively affect human health. The public, and especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with health conditions, are urged to avoid moving around in open outdoor areas until the phenomenon passes.
The warning comes as Cyprus dust levels remain far above the legal daily limit (50 μg/m3) for PM10 particles in several areas.
Employers urged to take protective measures
Authorities also reminded employers that, under the relevant decree, they must take appropriate organisational or technical measures after assessing the risks faced by employees working outdoors.
Workers in open-air environments are also advised to use suitable personal protective equipment while the dust episode continues.
Dust readings by district
The latest hourly dust concentration readings recorded at 7am were as follows:
Nicosia: 1167.7 μg/m3
Limassol: 161.8 μg/m3
Larnaca: 481.3 μg/m3
Paralimni: 326.4 μg/m3
Paphos: 793.8 μg/m3
Zygi: 191.8 μg/m3
Ayia Marina Xyliatou: 2047.0 μg/m3
The figures show Cyprus dust levels reaching extreme concentrations in some areas, with Ayia Marina Xyliatou recording the highest reading.
What the legal limit means
Authorities noted that “dust” refers to inhalable airborne particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres, known as PM10.
Under current legislation, the limit value applies to the daily average concentration and must not exceed 50 μg/m3. Friday’s readings in multiple districts were significantly above that threshold, underlining the severity of the dust event.
Also read: April rainfall in Cyprus reaches above-average levels
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