Nicosia general hospital lab workers on Tuesday called off strike measures after receiving assurances a solution will be found for their concerns over a chemical hazard.

Peo, Sek and Pasydy unions said they had received written assurances from the state health services (Okypy) saying a technical study would begin with the aim of completing it within a week.

The goal is to assess the situation and find both short-term and long-term solutions.

Lab workers will be briefed within two weeks.

As such, the strike slated for Thursday will be postponed.

Unions charged the ventilation system and extractors do not work properly at the Nicosia general hospital histopathology lab.

They said lab staff are exposed to toxic fumes, exposing them to a chemical hazard.

“It is unthinkable that in a lab where cancer diagnosis tests are being carried out, authorities do not take any measures to prevent it.”

Employees have to deal with consequences such as “burning eyes, dry eyes, coughing, dizziness and bitter taste. The chronic and accumulated effects of chemicals can cause serious health problems for employees,” unions charged.