Warning as dust levels exceed safe limits in Cyprus

As temperatures reaches a higher than normal levels this week for the time of year, vulnerable members of the public including children, the elderly and the ailing are adviced to avoid spending time outdoors due to high levels of dust in Cyprus’ atmosphere.

The warning by the Cyprus Labour Ministry on Tuesday says, at 11am on Tuesday, the average hourly concentration of dust particles of less than 10 μm (PM10) and and more likely to be inhaled had reached levels of between 31 micrograms (one-millionth of a gram) per cubic meter of air (µg/m3) and 69 μg/m3 indicating that they would within a 24 hour period surpass the 50 μg/m3 safe limit laid out by the law.

On Monday, the levels were between 20 and 44 μg/m3 depending on the area.

As well as the warning to vulnerable people, the Ministry also reminded employers to ensure people working outdoors were properly protected. 

Temperatures this week have been higher than normal, reaching as high as 39C but are expected to drop to the average of around 34C by the weekend.

Culled from Cyprus Weekly.