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, if possible, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter. If you need to go outside, protect your breathing with an FFP2/KN95 respirator, avoid sports and long walks. Monitor official PM10/PM2.5 readings on the Air Quality Cyprus website and warnings from the Department of Meteorology. In case of pronounced shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain/pressure, or sudden worsening of your condition, 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 a dust storm
- 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 regularly experiences the transport of dust masses from North Africa (including the Sahara). Less frequently, dust can come from the eastern Mediterranean. Dust episodes are usually associated with synoptic situations that increase wind and form air flows carrying fine particles to the island.
Health risks of a dust storm
During a dust storm, visibility and air quality deteriorate due to increased concentrations of suspended particles (primarily PM10). This can trigger coughing, throat, eye, and skin irritation, as well as exacerbation of asthma and chronic respiratory diseases. The highest risk is for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with lung or heart conditions.
Symptoms requiring medical attention
- increasing shortness of breath, wheezing;
- chest tightness or pain;
- severe cough that quickly worsens;
- pronounced weakness in poor air conditions.
In such cases, seek urgent medical help: 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. The website provides a station map and real-time updates.
- 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, and the European warning aggregator: MeteoAlarm (Cyprus).
- Useful Cyprus-FAQ sections: Medicine in the Republic of Cyprus, 24/7 Pharmacies, Weather in the Republic of Cyprus.
How to read PM10 and PM2.5 levels
PM10 and PM2.5 are concentrations of particles in the air (in μg/m³). To assess the situation, it is convenient to refer to the levels used on Air Quality Cyprus. It is also important to remember that the PM10 daily average limit is 50 μg/m³ (if the level remains high during the day, the health risk increases).
| 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 outdoor time, avoid outdoor sports. |
| PM10 | 100–200 | High | Stay indoors if possible; use FFP2/KN95 if going out; vulnerable groups should avoid going outside. |
| PM10 | > 200 | Very High | Stay indoors; postpone meetings and workouts; seek medical help if symptomatic. |
| PM2.5 | 0–25 | Low | Normal routine. |
| PM2.5 | 25–50 | Moderate | Reduce outdoor activity, especially if you have respiratory conditions. |
| PM2.5 | 50–100 | High | Prefer staying indoors; use a respirator if going out. |
| PM2.5 | > 100 | Very High | Avoid going outside; seek medical help if your condition worsens. |
Recommendations During a Dust Storm
How to Do It
- Assess the situation: check PM10/PM2.5 levels on Air Quality Cyprus and warnings from the Department of Meteorology.
- Limit outings: reschedule errands, walks, and sports, especially if you are in a risk group.
- Prepare indoor spaces: close windows and doors, set the air conditioner to recirculation mode, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
- If you need to go outside: wear an FFP2/KN95 respirator, protect your eyes with goggles, and minimize time outdoors.
- Monitor your health and medications: people with asthma and COPD should carry prescribed medications and have an action plan.
When Indoors
- Windows and doors closed — reduces dust entering the room.
- Air conditioner on recirculation mode — avoid drawing air from outside if this option is available.
- HEPA purifier — helps reduce fine particles in the room.
- Ventilation — better to do briefly and only when outdoor levels decrease.
If You Need to Be Outside
- FFP2/KN95 respirator is usually more effective than a standard medical mask for dust and fine particles.
- Goggles reduce eye irritation.
- No sports: physical exertion increases breathing depth, letting more particles into the body.
- Children and vulnerable groups — stay indoors until the episode ends whenever possible.
When Driving
- Reduce speed and increase following distance: visibility may deteriorate suddenly.
- Use low beams in poor visibility, hazard lights if necessary, and stop in a safe place.
- Keep windows closed and set the air conditioner to recirculation mode.
Working Outdoors
If your work involves open spaces, dust episodes usually require organizational and technical risk-reduction measures as well as personal protective equipment (including suitable respirators). Follow announcements from Air Quality Cyprus and internal workplace safety rules.
Glossary
- PM10 — airborne particles up to 10 μm in diameter, measured in μg/m³; levels often rise during dust storms.
- PM2.5 — finer particles (up to 2.5 μm), penetrate deeper into the respiratory system, also measured in μg/m³.
- HEPA filter — high-efficiency filter that traps fine particles; used in air purifiers and some filtration systems.
- Air recirculation — air conditioner mode in vehicles or rooms that uses indoor air instead of drawing it from outside.
- FFP2/KN95 — respirator classes that generally provide a tighter fit and better filtration of fine particles than a standard mask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I check current air dust levels in the Republic of Cyprus?
On the official Air Quality Cyprus website. It has a map of stations and real-time PM10/PM2.5 values.
How to know when dust levels are “high” and it’s better to stay indoors?
A practical guide is when PM10 levels on Air Quality Cyprus reach “High” or “Very High” (usually above 100 μg/m³). During these times, it’s best to stay inside, especially for children and people with lung or heart conditions.
Which mask is suitable for a dust storm?
For fine dust protection, use an FFP2 or KN95 respirator. A regular medical mask may be less effective at high concentrations of fine particles.
Can you exercise outdoors during a dust storm?
No. Physical exertion increases breathing depth and frequency, letting more particles into the body. It’s better to move workouts indoors or to another day.
What should people with asthma or chronic respiratory diseases do?
Stay indoors if possible, keep windows closed, use recirculation and a HEPA purifier. Carry prescribed medications (including a fast-acting inhaler if prescribed) and follow your individualized treatment plan.
When should emergency services be called?
If you experience worsening shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain/pressure, or rapidly deteriorating condition — call emergency services at 112 (or 199). You can also call the Ambulance Control Centre: +357 22 887 171.
Can children go outside or use playgrounds during a dust storm?
When PM10/PM2.5 levels are high, it’s better to cancel outdoor walks and active play. Children are a vulnerable group during dust episodes.
Where can I quickly find a pharmacy if medications are needed (e.g., for asthma)?
Cyprus-FAQ has a section with on-duty pharmacies: Pharmacies 24/7.
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I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…