Atmospheric dust levels hit a negative record this May, in relation to corresponding periods of the last five years, with researchers indicating that due to climate change, dust episodes in Cyprus are expected to become more frequent.
A Cyprus Institute press release indicates that recent measurements of the Center of Excellence for Climate and Atmospheric Research (CARE-C) show that the concentration levels of dust suspended particles recorded in Cyprus during this year’s spring are the highest for the month of May during the last five years.
As noted, more and more frequent and intense dust episodes have been observed in Cyprus, mainly due to the desertification of areas in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as reduced rainfall. The most important sources of dust in North Africa are the desert lands of Chad, Algeria, Libya, and Egypt. Depending on wind direction and weather systems affecting the Eastern Mediterranean region, Cyprus is subject to dust episodes which are more intense during spring months.
As the Cyprus Institute indicates, during the dust episodes there are large exceedances of the safety limits in the concentrations of suspended particles. In particular, during the recent phenomena in May 2023, the concentration of suspended particles with a diameter less than 10µm measured in Nicosia reached 260 mg/m3. “These values are almost six times the air quality limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO),” it says.
These particles are usually composed of silicon iron and manganese compounds, also fungi and bacteria are sometimes carried through these particles. In addition, dust episodes can also cause respiratory problems. When inhaled, the particles enter the lungs and this can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and allergic nasal and eye reactions.
The Institute also stresses that when there is a warning for a dust episode, the public and particularly vulnerable groups should limit going out in open spaces and especially beaches, where they could be much more exposed to the dust. “People who play sports, are advised to remain in covered spaces. People with asthma and breathing problems may need inhalations of respiratory medicine more often. Also, wearing a mask can limit exposure to dust particles,” the Institute says.
Source: Cyprus News Agency