THE Metro Vancouver Regional District announced on Tuesday it is continuing the Air Quality Advisory that was issued on September 10 for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley because of high concentrations offine particulate matter, primarily due to smoke from wildfires burning in BC and the US.

Wildfires burning near Manning Park (Heather Lake fire), in Washington state (Bolt Creek fire), and in Hope (Flood Falls Trail fire), are some of the fires producing smoke that is impacting the region.

On Tuesday, September 13, a gradual improvement in air quality may continue for parts of the region but fine particulate matter concentrations are still elevated in many areas. Stagnant weather conditions are forecast to persist for the next couple of days and it is expected that during this time, air quality will not significantly improve.

A weather system that is forecast to move through the region beginning on Friday (September 16) may bring improvement to the current air quality conditions. Smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as winds and temperatures change, and as wildfire behaviour changes.

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.

Postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity while PM_2.5 concentrations are high, especially if breathing feels uncomfortable. 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), asthma and/or diabetes; individuals with respiratory infections; pregnant women and infants; children; older adults; and outdoor workers (e.g. construction and agricultural workers). Individuals who are socially marginalized may also be at elevated risk (e.g. people who are experiencing homelessness or are underhoused).

Indoor spaces with HEPA air filtration and air conditioning can offer relief from both air pollution and heat. Consider setting up a clean air space in your home by running a portable HEPA air cleaner in one or more rooms or visiting a public building with air conditioning (e.g., community centre, library, mall, etc.). As we are in the summer season with warm temperatures, it is also important to stay cool and hydrated. If it is hot, also consider using a portable air conditioner to keep your indoor space comfortable (if you do not have central air conditioning).

If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, seek prompt medical attention. Call 911 in the case of an emergency.

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 www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke.

Metro Vancouver works in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fraser Valley Regional District and BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy 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 www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readings/find-stations-map.html.

To sign up for air quality alerts in your area, go to www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/engagement/mailing-list.