Pulmonologist Dr Alexis Papadopoulos, talking on Sigma TV’s Protoselido, warned that prime mud ranges pose risks not solely to members of susceptible teams however to your entire inhabitants.
With excessive mud ranges turning into more and more frequent in Cyprus, well being consultants are elevating critical issues in regards to the dangers to public well being.
Dr Papadopoulos expressed concern over the rising variety of respiratory points linked to frequent publicity to mud.
“We’re seeing extra circumstances of respiratory issues in individuals with out prior historical past,” he mentioned on Sigma TV, advising the avoiding of outside actions throughout high-dust intervals. He additionally suggested the usage of face masks if it was essential to exit.
Dr Chrysanthos Savvides, head of the air high quality part on the division of labour inspection, informed the Cyprus Mail there was a necessity to enhance public consciousness and for precautions to be taken.
He urged the general public to usually examine air high quality updates by way of the division’s web site or cellular app, “Cyprus is dealing with a rising risk from frequent mud episodes,” Dr Savvides concluded, emphasising that solely by way of vigilance and correct measures can the well being dangers be mitigated.
The air high quality part operated a community of 9 air high quality monitoring stations island-wide, which measure key pollution, together with particulate matter (PM10), which is a major concern throughout mud episodes.
To make sure correct information, two strategies had been used – the gravimetric methodology, which affords excessive precision however delayed outcomes, and real-time monitoring utilizing automated devices. Public alerts are issued when PM10 ranges exceed thresholds set by European requirements, with specific consideration throughout daytime hours when persons are most lively open air, mentioned Dr Savvides.
For out of doors staff, particular rules are in place to minimise publicity. A 2022 decree mandates that out of doors work should stop if hourly PM10 ranges exceed 200 µg/m³. Employers are urged to observe tips offered by the division to guard their workforce.
Whereas Cyprus’ present air high quality monitoring community meets EU requirements, discussions about potential upgrades are ongoing. Dr Savvides acknowledged the excessive value of sustaining and upgrading precision tools however emphasised the significance of correct information in safeguarding public well being.
