Air Quality Advisory Issued

An Air Quality Advisory has been issued for because of high concentrations of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter that are expected to last until a change in the weather.

Two out-of-control wildfires burning near Harrison Lake are producing considerable smoke that is contributing to degraded air quality and hazy conditions. Hot and sunny weather in combination with local emissions and wildfire smoke has resulted in elevated levels of ground-level ozone. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds, temperatures, and wildfire behaviour changes.

Advisory Area

• Central Fraser Valley
• Eastern Fraser Valley

How Can Poor Air Quality Affect You

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing should seek prompt medical attention. In the case of an emergency, call 911.

Exposure is particularly a concern for:

• people with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including bronchitis and emphysema, as well as asthma, and/or diabetes
• people with respiratory infections
• pregnant women and infants
• children
• older adults
• outdoor workers (e.g. construction and agricultural workers)
• people who are socially marginalized may also be at elevated risk (e.g. people who are experiencing homelessness or are under housed).

People at risk should postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity while PM_2.5 and ozone concentrations are high, especially if breathing feels uncomfortable. Indoor spaces with HEPA air filtration and air conditioning may offer relief from both air pollution and heat. Set up a clean air space in your home if possible by running a portable HEPA air cleaner, or visit a public building with air conditioning (e.g., community centre, library, mall, etc.).

What are Ground-level Ozone and Particulate Matter?

Ground-level ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in the air in the presence of sunlight. The highest levels of ground-level ozone are generally observed between mid-afternoon and early evening on summer days. Ground-level ozone is bad for human health and is the main ingredient in smog.

Fine particulate matter, also known as PM_2.5, refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. PM_2.5 can easily penetrate indoors because of its small size.

Read the Metro Vancouver Air Quality advisory at http://www.metrovancouver.org/media-room/media-releases/air-quality/801/air-quality-advisory-in-effect 

Learn More

• Sign up for Alertable to receive air quality advisories.
• Fact sheets on the health effects of wildfire smoke and information on how to reduce exposures, such as using air filtration, can be found at http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke
• Information about real-time air quality readings and potential health impacts can be found at www.airmap.ca and www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readings/find-stations-map.html.
• Check out the FVRD’s Air Quality Management Plan to learn about important air challenges we face in our region and how you can help.