Reykjavik's health inspection authorities have reaffirmed earlier recommendations urging sensitive groups, including the elderly and children, to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure due to high levels of particulate matter (PM10) in the air. Over the weekend and into today, air quality measurements in the capital have indicated significant levels of dust, primarily attributed to traffic and exacerbated by dry road conditions and light winds.

At noon today, the PM10 concentration at one monitoring station recorded 178.9 micrograms per cubic meter, well above the daily health guideline limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. The highest measurement taken today was an alarming 364.4 micrograms per cubic meter, also in Reykjavik, raising concerns over potential health impacts, particularly for those with respiratory issues. The authorities have noted that effective dust suppression measures are not feasible until the end of the week when necessary materials become available.

The city is expecting some rainfall in the coming days, which should help alleviate the dust levels and improve air quality. However, until then, residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, are advised to limit their outdoor activities, especially near busy roadways. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges of urban air quality management in Reykjavik and the need for targeted measures to protect the health of vulnerable populations.