Dust blows in from the Sahara

DUST FROM the Sahara has blew across Cyprus yesterday, raising atmospheric levels above that considered safe, the Labour Inspection Department said.

Dust particles smaller than 10?m have entered the Cypriot atmosphere at concentrations which yesterday varied between 192?g/m3 (microgrammes per cubic metre) in Larnaca and 320 in Paphos. The relevant litigation sets the safety limit for atmospheric dust at just 50 ?g/m3.

The Labour Inspection Department said that because of the small size of the particles and their likely negative effect on health, vulnerable sectors of the population were advised to remain indoors until the phenomenon has passed, which is expected to be tomorrow. Those vulnerable include children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with respiratory problems.

They also recommended that persons working outdoors use suitable means of protection until dust concentrations in the atmosphere return to levels within the safety guidelines.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.