As hot, dry weather grips the south coast, an air quality advisory remains in place for the Lower Mainland and is expected to be in place for the coming days.
On Tuesday, Metro Vancouver issued the advisory due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter that have made its way to the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley due to the wildfires burning in the Interior.
“Smoke aloft has mixed down to the ground in some areas and air quality forecast models are predicting smoke to become more widespread throughout the region,” said a media release from Metro Vancouver. “This advisory is expected to continue until there is a change in the current weather.”
Metro says smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds and temperatures change, and as wildfire behaviour changes.
Fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres (μm) or less. PM2.5 can easily penetrate indoors because of their small size.
Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease. If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, follow the advice of your healthcare provider. As we are in the summer season with warm temperatures, it is also important to stay cool and hydrated. Indoor spaces with air conditioning may offer relief from both heat and air pollution.
Metro Vancouver works in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fraser Valley Regional District and B.C. Ministry of Environment to look after air quality.
Information about real-time air quality readings for Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley communities and potential health impacts can be found at: www.airmap.ca and www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.
Tips to reduce your personal health risk
* Avoid roads with heavy vehicle traffic and areas with wood smoke.
* Stay cool and drink plenty of water.
* Continue to manage medical conditions such as asthma, chronic respiratory disease and heart failure. If symptoms continue to be bothersome, seek medical attention.
* Stay in a cool, air-conditioned environment and reduce indoor sources of pollution such as smoking and vacuuming.
* Run an air cleaner. Some room air cleaners, such as HEPA filters, can help reduce indoor particulate levels provided they are the right size for your home and filters are changed regularly.
* Take shelter in air-conditioned buildings which have large indoor volumes and limited entry of outdoor air.
Further information about air quality programs in the region can be found on Metro Vancouver’s website at: www.metrovancouver.org.
