New air quality monitoring network launched in South Nicosia-Idalion

An EU-funded research project, CiROCCO, has established a new air-quality monitoring network and a web-based application in the South Nicosia-Idalion Municipality to provide three-day pollution forecasts. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the University of Cyprus, the Department of Labour Inspection, and the local municipality, aimed at helping the region prepare for recurring desert dust episodes.

The monitoring network consists of five low-cost sensors and one advanced AQMesh station located at the Idalion Municipal Cultural Centre. These devices have been strategically placed to cover diverse environments, including residential areas, a primary school, an industrial site, and agricultural zones with livestock farming. The system measures particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) alongside weather conditions and has already successfully recorded at least three desert dust events since its implementation.

Cyprus frequently experiences dust transported from North Africa and the Middle East, which poses significant health risks to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions. The project aims to mitigate these risks by providing timely data on air quality fluctuations, helping citizens and authorities better manage the impact of local and external pollution sources.