Authorities warned vulnerable groups of the population to take precautions Tuesday because of high dust concentrations in the atmosphere especially in Nicosia and Paphos.

At 10am, the Paphos traffic station recorded a PM10 level of 147.5 µg/m3.

Measurements in other cities in Cyprus were 50.4 µg/m3 in Nicosia, 78.7 µg/m3 in Limassol and 93.6 µg/m3 in Larnaca.

Dust refers to respirable particulate matter of a diameter smaller than 10 μm (PM10) in the air.

That amount should not exceed concentrations at 50 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre).

The labour inspection department urged that children, the elderly, and people with health conditions avoid going outside until the phenomenon subsides.

Employers must also take all necessary measures to protect staff working in open venues. It is recommended that workers use all necessary protective measures, the department said.