Air Quality Advisory Issued

An Air Quality Advisory has been issued for Central Fraser Valley and Eastern Fraser Valley because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter that are expected to last until there is a change in the weather. The fine particulate matter is primarily due to smoke from wildfires burning outside BC and Washington State. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

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

Advisory Area

• Central Fraser Valley: Abbotsford, Mission, Hatzic Island, and Nicomen Island.
• Eastern Fraser Valley: Chilliwack, Cultus, Hope, Deroche, Lake Errock, Harrison Mills, Chilliwack Lake, Popkum, Kent, Harrison, Laidlaw, and Seabird Island.

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 to PM_2.5 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 can 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 in one or more rooms, or visit a public building with air conditioning (e.g., community centre, library, mall, etc.).

What is Fine Particulate Matter

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 https://metrovancouver.org/media-room/media-release/818 

Learn More

• Sign up for Alertable to receive air quality notifications.
• 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.