How to behave during a dust storm
During a dust storm in the Republic of Cyprus, the safest option is to stay indoors, close windows and doors, turn on the air conditioner in recirculation mode, and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter if possible. If you need to go out, protect your breathing with an FFP2/KN95 respirator, and avoid sports and long walks. Monitor official PM10/PM2.5 indicators on the Air Quality Cyprus website and warnings from the Department of Meteorology. In case of severe shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain/tightness, or a sharp deterioration in health, call emergency services: 112 (or 199); you can also call the Ambulance Control Centre: +357 22 887 171.
- Origin of dust storms in the Republic of Cyprus
- Health risks of dust storms
- Where to check warnings and air quality
- Recommendations during a dust storm
- Glossary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Origin of dust storms in the Republic of Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus is regularly affected by the transport of dust masses from North Africa (including the Sahara). Less frequently, dust can be brought from the eastern Mediterranean. Usually, dust episodes are associated with synoptic situations where winds strengthen and air currents form, carrying fine particles to the island.
Health risks of dust storms
During a dust storm, visibility and air quality deteriorate due to an increase in the concentration of suspended particles (primarily PM10). This can cause coughing, throat, eye, and skin irritation, as well as exacerbation of asthma and chronic respiratory diseases. The greatest risk is for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with lung and heart diseases.
Symptoms requiring medical attention
- increasing shortness of breath, wheezing;
- feeling of pressure/pain in the chest;
- severe cough that worsens rapidly;
- pronounced weakness against a background of poor air quality.
In case of such symptoms, seek emergency assistance: 112 (or 199). If necessary, you can also call the Ambulance Control Centre: +357 22 887 171.
Where to check warnings and air quality
- Official air quality measurements (PM10/PM2.5): Air Quality Cyprus. A map of stations and real-time updates are available on the website.
- Air Quality Cyprus mobile app: app page, Google Play, App Store. If the app is temporarily unavailable, use the website.
- Weather warnings: Department of Meteorology, as well as the European warning aggregator: MeteoAlarm (Cyprus).
- Useful Cyprus-FAQ sections: Medicine in the Republic of Cyprus, Pharmacies 24/7, Weather in the Republic of Cyprus.
How to read PM10 and PM2.5 indicators
PM10 and PM2.5 are concentrations of particles in the air (in μg/m³). To assess the situation, it is convenient to follow the levels used on Air Quality Cyprus. It is also important to remember that for PM10, a limit level for the average daily concentration is set at 50 μg/m³ (if the indicator remains high throughout the day, the health risk is higher).
| Indicator | Range (μg/m³) | Level | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM10 | 0–50 | Low | Normal routine; if sensitive to dust, monitor your well-being. |
| PM10 | 50–100 | Moderate | Reduce time outdoors, avoid outdoor sports. |
| PM10 | 100–200 | High | Stay home if possible; use FFP2/KN95 when going out; vulnerable groups should stay indoors. |
| PM10 | > 200 | Very High | Stay indoors; reschedule meetings and workouts; seek medical help if symptoms occur. |
| PM2.5 | 0–25 | Low | Normal routine. |
| PM2.5 | 25–50 | Moderate | Reduce outdoor activity, especially if you have respiratory diseases. |
| PM2.5 | 50–100 | High | Better to stay indoors; use a respirator when going out. |
| PM2.5 | > 100 | Very High | Avoid the outdoors; seek medical help if condition worsens. |
Recommendations during a dust storm
How to do it
- Assess the situation: check PM10/PM2.5 indicators on Air Quality Cyprus and warnings from the Department of Meteorology.
- Limit outings: reschedule errands, walks, and sports for another time, especially if you are in a risk group.
- Prepare the premises: close windows and doors, turn on the air conditioner to recirculation, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
- If you must go out: wear an FFP2/KN95 respirator, protect your eyes with glasses, and reduce time outdoors.
- Monitor well-being and medication: it is important for people with asthma and COPD to have their prescribed medications and action plan with them.
When staying indoors
- Windows and doors closed — this reduces dust penetration inside.
- Air conditioner in recirculation mode — do not pull air from outside if this option is available.
- HEPA purifier — helps reduce the amount of fine particles in the room.
- Ventilation — should be done briefly and only when outdoor indicators decrease.
If you need to be outdoors
- FFP2/KN95 respirator is usually more effective than a standard medical mask for dust and fine particles.
- Glasses reduce eye irritation.
- No sports: under physical load, breathing becomes deeper, and more particles enter the body.
- Children and vulnerable groups — should stay indoors until the episode ends if possible.
When driving a car
- Reduce speed and increase distance: visibility can deteriorate sharply.
- In poor visibility, turn on dipped headlights, and if necessary, hazard lights and stop in a safe place.
- Keep windows closed and turn on the air conditioner to recirculation.
Working outdoors
If your work involves open spaces, organizational and technical risk reduction measures are usually recommended during dust episodes, as well as personal protective equipment (including suitable respirators). Follow Air Quality Cyprus announcements and internal workplace safety rules.
Glossary
- PM10 — suspended particles in the air with a diameter of up to 10 µm, measured in μg/m³; the indicator often rises during dust storms.
- PM2.5 — smaller particles (up to 2.5 µm) that penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract, also measured in μg/m³.
- HEPA filter — a highly efficient filter that traps fine particles; used in air purifiers and some filtration systems.
- Air recirculation — an air conditioner mode in a car or room that uses indoor air instead of drawing it from outside.
- FFP2/KN95 — classes of respirators that usually provide a tighter fit and better filtration of fine particles than a standard mask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I check the current air dust levels in the Republic of Cyprus?
On the official Air Quality Cyprus website: airquality.dli.mlsi.gov.cy. There you will find a map of stations and real-time PM10/PM2.5 values.
How do I know if the dust is "high" and it's better not to go out?
A practical guide is when the PM10 level on Air Quality Cyprus becomes “High” or “Very High” (this usually means an increase above 100 μg/m³). During these hours, it is better to stay indoors, especially for children and people with lung/heart diseases.
What kind of mask is suitable for a dust storm?
An FFP2 or KN95 respirator is usually used for protection against fine dust. A regular medical mask may be less effective at high concentrations of fine particles.
Is it okay to exercise outdoors during a dust storm?
No. During exercise, you breathe deeper and more frequently, so more particles enter your body. It is better to move workouts indoors or to another day.
What should asthmatics and people with chronic respiratory diseases do?
Avoid going outdoors if possible, keep windows closed, and use recirculation and a HEPA purifier. It is vital to have prescribed medications (including a quick-relief inhaler if prescribed by a doctor) and follow an individual treatment plan.
When should I call an ambulance?
If you experience increasing shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain/tightness, or if your condition worsens rapidly — call emergency services at 112 (or 199). Additionally, you can call the Ambulance Control Centre: +357 22 887 171.
Can children play outside and go to playgrounds during a dust storm?
When PM10/PM2.5 levels are high, it is better to cancel walks and active outdoor games. Children belong to a vulnerable group during dust episodes.
Where can I quickly find a pharmacy if I need medications (e.g., for asthma)?
In Cyprus-FAQ, there is a section for on-call pharmacies: Pharmacies 24/7.
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