There is currently no dust suppressant available anywhere in Iceland, which means authorities cannot take action to reduce high levels of airborne dust in the capital region. Health officials are advising individuals who are especially sensitive to air pollution to consider staying indoors. Svava Svanborg Steinarsdóttir, a health representative with Reykjavík’s health authority, provided this update. Airborne dust concentrations near busy roads in the capital area significantly exceeded public health safety limits during calm wind conditions yesterday. The same poor air quality is expected to persist today. "We are observing that dust levels are rising compared to the initial measurements taken this morning," Svava stated. "Given the light winds, it is anticipated that these levels will continue to increase, particularly as traffic becomes heavier in the afternoon." She explained that the finest dust particles do not simply disperse or blow away. Instead, they remain suspended in the air for extended periods, causing prolonged exposure beyond what would be considered acceptable. Dust suppressant was applied in Reykjavík during the night, but this measure proved insufficient to keep pollution levels within established health safety thresholds. No further mitigation efforts can be implemented at this time.
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