High particulate levels persist in the city
Air quality monitoring stations across the capital area have recorded high suspended particulate levels over the weekend and today.
The dust originates from traffic; when streets are dry and winds are light, it is stirred up more easily and stays airborne. At At noon, the PM10 reading was 178.9 micrograms per cubic meter at the monitoring station on Grensásvegur. By comparison, the 24-hour health standard is 50 micrograms per cubic meter. Today's highest reading in Reykjavík was 364.4 micrograms per cubic meter at the Hlíðarfótur monitoring station. Dust suppression cannot be used because the required materials won't arrive until the end of the week. Some rain is expected over the next few days, which should help reduce dust levels in the air.
Reykjavík Public Health is reiterating its guidance, advising people with respiratory conditions, older adults, and children to avoid extended outdoor activities and limit physical activity near busy roads. Residents are encouraged to reduce personal vehicle use when possible, postpone non-essential trips, use public transportation instead, carpool or choose other environmentally friendly transportation options. Officials also urge companies to encourage employees to work remotely if possible and to reduce driving.
Reykjavík Public Health closely monitors the city's air quality and issues warnings and guidance when needed. You can track particulate levels and other pollutants at loftgaedi.is. The site displays a map of monitoring stations in Reykjavík and other locations across the country.