Residents of Cyprus are breathing air with multiple times the permitted level of particulate matter, posing serious health risks, according to data presented by Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas to Parliament.
Alarming data
With a daily limit of 50 μg/m³, pollution levels far exceed acceptable standards:
- In 2023, Paralimni recorded 350 μg/m³ — 7 times the limit
- Limassol: 257.6 μg/m³ with 64 daily exceedances
- Nicosia: 85 exceedances (maximum permitted: 35 per year)
In 2025, the situation remains serious: the Nicosia traffic station recorded 67 exceedances, Limassol 44, and Paralimni 35.
Health risks
Particulate matter is linked to bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema, while long-term exposure increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The worst year on record remains 2023.
