Vulnerable groups of people should avoid being exposed to high levels of dust as it may exacerbate lung disease, respiratory medicine consultant Charris Armeftis has told CNA.
In statements to CNA, Armeftis said that ‘in essence, the dust means breathable suspended particles which are present in the atmosphere because their diameter is so small that they cannot be filtered by the respiratory system mechanisms and they can reach the lungs.’
He explained that due to the fact that these microscopic particles are enriched by various chemical unions, ‘they may cause significant inflammation to the respiratory system, therefore when increased levels of dust are present in the atmosphere, particularly the vulnerable groups should be careful.’
Vulnerable groups are patients suffering from bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the elderly and people who suffer from various cardiovascular diseases, doctor Armeftis said.
He added that the main recommendation for vulnerable groups of people is to f
ollow official reports on the dust levels and to avoid going out until the phenomenon subsides. People working in open spaces should use the appropriate protection measures, such as wearing a protective mask.
He advised patients to remain focused on their treatment and to contact their doctor if they have any problems.
In the meantime, in a press release the Labour Inspection Department warned on Tuesday about high levels of dust particularly in Limassol and Larnaca.
“The public, and particularly any vulnerable groups of the population (children, older people and the infirm) are urged to avoid circulating in open spaces until the observed episode has elapsed, as the small size of respirable particles in dust may have negative effects on human health,” it said.
It called on employers, based on the relevant regulations in place to take appropriate measures (organisational and/or technical) after assessing any risks that their employees may face while working in open spaces, adding that it is recommended tha
t workers in such spaces use appropriate means of personal protection.
Dust concentrations measured at 09:00 from ground Stations of the Air Quality Monitoring Network were in Nicosia 44.4 µg/m3, Limassol 101.5 µg/m3, Larnaca 84.9 µg/m3, Paralimni 49.6 µg/m3, Pafos 43.6 µg/m3, Zygi 42.5 µg/m3 and Ayia Maria Xyliatou 44.1 µg/m3.
Source: Cyprus News Agency