The Labour Inspection Department has issued a press release warning that dust levels are high and advises the public and in particular vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people who are ill to avoid going out to open spaces until the phenomenon subsides.
At the same time employers are asked to take all necessary measures, adding that employees working outdoors should use all means necessary for their individual protection.
“At 0800 hours, average hourly concentration of respirable particles in ambient air of a diameter less than 10 micrometers (PM10) ranged between 20 and 220 mg/m3,” the press release says.
It is therefore expected that the 24 hour average will exceed the corresponding limit value of 50 mg/m3 as stipulated by the relevant legislation, it adds.
Yesterday average dust levels ranged between 22 and 58 mg/m3 depending on the area.
“Due to the small size of the respirable dust particles and the possible negative impact they may have on human health, the public and in particular vulnerable groups of the population (children, elderly and those who are ill) are advised to avoid to go out in open spaces until the phenomenon subsides,” the press release notes.