The Labour Inspection Department on Thursday warned the public, especially vulnerable groups to stay indoors as much as possible due to an increase of dust in the atmosphere.

According to an announcement, as 10am the average hourly concentrations of respirable particulate matter in the atmosphere increased to between 20 and 144mg/m3 (microgrames per cubic meter).

Therefore it is expected that the average value over the next 24 hours would exceed the safe limit of 50mg/m3.

It said the 24-hour average for Wednesday ranged between 31-64mg/m3 depending on the area.

“Due to the small size of respirable particulate matter and its potential negative impact on human health, the public and particularly vulnerable population groups such as children, the elderly and patients, are advised to avoid going outdoors until the dust has subsided,” the department said.

This is the second day in the row of warnings on increased dust levels.

For more information: www.airquality.dli.mlsi.gov.cy