Its a Big Job: Air Quality Advisory For The North Okanagan Continues Because of Dust

Air Quality Advisory For The North Okanagan Continues Because of Dust

From Environment Canada:
Alerts for: Okanagan Valley
Statements
9:39 AM PDT Wednesday 22 March 2023
Special air quality statement in effect for:

North Okanagan
DUST ADVISORY CONTINUED FOR VERNON

(March 22, 2023 08:00 - Kamloops) The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority issued a Dust Advisory for Vernon on March 17, 2023. The advisory remains in effect due to high concentrations of coarse particular matter that are expected to persist until there is precipitation, dust suppression or a change in traffic
patterns. Levels tend to be highest around busy roads and industrial operations. This advisory is in effect until further notice.

Exposure is particularly a concern for individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, and diabetes; respiratory infections such as COVID-19, pregnant women, infants, and older adults. Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions or acute infections should postpone or reduce strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Where appropriate, maintain physical distancing. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as continuing
eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough or wheezing, should follow the advice of their health care provider. Staying indoors helps to reduce particulate matter exposure.

Real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution can be found at https://www.gov.bc.ca/airquality.

For more information on current air quality, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.

Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.

Issued by Environment Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy