The Department of Labour Inspection has issued a public health advisory due to high concentrations of dust particles (PM10) measured across Cyprus today.
Health risks and recommendations
The public, especially vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems, are advised to avoid spending extended periods outdoors until the dust episode subsides. Inhaling these small dust particles can have negative health effects.
Employers’ responsibilities
Employers with outdoor workplaces must follow the “Safety and Health at Work (Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons at Work During Dust Episodes) Order of 2022 (P. I. 410/2022)”. This requires them to:
- Assess risks faced by employees working outdoors.
- Implement appropriate measures, such as organizational or technical controls, to mitigate those risks.
- Recommend that outdoor workers use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Dust concentration levels
Here’s a breakdown of the latest hourly dust concentrations (PM10) measured at 8:00 AM in various locations:
- Nicosia: 652.3 μg/m3
- Limassol: 218 μg/m3
- Larnaca: 919.8 μg/m3
- Paralimni: 334.5 μg/m3
- Paphos: 167.6 μg/m3
- Zygi: 373 μg/m3
- Ayia Marina Xyliatou: 849.1 μg/m3
The legal limit for daily average PM10 concentration is 50 μg/m3.
Real-time updates and more information on pollutant concentrations are available on the Department of Labour Inspection’s website and the “Air Quality Cyprus” mobile app.Dust particles.. dust particles, health risks, employers’ responsibilities