METRO Vancouver Regional District on Monday issued an Air Quality Advisory due to elevated ground-level ozone (smog) that is expected to last for a few days. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Cause: Hot and sunny weather in combination with local emissions has resulted in elevated levels of ground-level ozone.
Air Quality Advisory in effect for:
- Metro Vancouver – Northeast
- Metro Vancouver – Southeast
- Central Fraser Valley
- Eastern Fraser Valley
- Outdoor Activities: Consider postponing or limiting outdoor activities, especially for people at risk, including those with lung and heart conditions, diabetes, pregnant people, infants, children, and older adults. Take it easy and take frequent breaks if outdoor activities cannot be avoided.
- Find Cleaner and Cooler Air: Heat and air pollution can happen together. Heat is a bigger health concern for most people. Stay cool and drink plenty of water. At home, use portable or central air conditioning. If your home is too smoky or hot, spend time in community spaces that have air conditioning. These can include community centres, libraries, and shopping malls. Check with your municipality to see if cooling centres are available near you.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Seek medical care for symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, severe coughing or wheezing, and dizziness. Check on family, friends, and neighbours often, and call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.
- Check Air Quality Regularly: Monitor the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) rating nearest you at airmap.ca and gov.bc.ca/airqualitymap. Use the current health messages accompanying the rating to make decisions about your outdoor activities. Air quality can change throughout the day and by location so check the AQHI often. Sign up for Air Quality Advisory alerts and updates at metrovancouver.org/services/
air-quality-climate-action/ mailing-list.
Other Actions to Protect your Health:
- Take it easy and limit outdoor exercise, because the harder you breathe, the more air pollution you inhale.
- Stay in cool, air-conditioned spaces, especially during the afternoon when ozone levels are at their highest.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can alleviate some respiratory symptoms.
- Continue to manage pre-existing chronic health conditions such as asthma, COPD or other lung disease, heart disease, and/or diabetes. Use symptom-management medications, such as inhalers, as needed. Seek medical attention if symptoms continue to be bothersome.
- Reduce indoor sources of air pollution such as smoking and vacuuming.
- Masks worn to protect against COVID-19 provide little protection from gases such as ozone.
Background:
- Ground-Level Ozone: A type of air pollution (commonly known as smog) that forms when pollutants emitted from various sources, like vehicles and industrial activities, react with each other in the presence of sunlight. It can affect air quality, potentially causing respiratory issues. Learn more here: player.vimeo.com/video/
218925373. - Under provincial legislation, Metro Vancouver is responsible for monitoring air quality; controlling industrial, commercial, and some residential emissions; creating long-term plans; and conducting emission inventories for the Metro Vancouver region.
- To reduce air emissions throughout the Lower Mainland, Metro Vancouver works cooperatively with Fraser Valley Regional District, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and other agencies to develop and implement emission-reduction programs for businesses and local residents, and to monitor and report out on air quality. Further information is found on Metro Vancouver’s website.