Dust warning issued for Cyprus

Authorities issued a dust warning on Thursday and urged vulnerable groups to avoid open spaces.

The highest dust levels were recorded in Nicosia and Limassol which are double the permitted safe concentration of 50 μg/m³ based on the relevant legislation.

Due to high dust concentration in the air, the department of labour inspection warned the public, and particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups including children and the elderly to avoid circulating in open spaces until the observed episode has elapsed.

“The small size of respirable particles in dust may have negative effects on human health,” the announcement said.

According to the 8am measurements from ground Stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network, dust concentrations in Nicosia were 107μg/m³^,, Limassol 96μg/m³, followed by Larnaca at 86μg/m³ , Paphos with 66μg/m³  and Paralimni at 67μg/m³ .