Update: 1:50 p.m. Jan. 18
For the second day in a row, a dust advisory has been issued for Vernon.
The Ministry of Environment and Parks, in collaboration with Interior Health, issued the first dust advisory for Vernon on Friday, Jan. 17. On Saturday it said the advisory remains in effect due to high concentrations of coarse particulate matter that are expected to persist until there is precipitation, dust suppression or a change in traffic patterns.
Dust levels tend to be highest around busy roads and industrial operations.
Exposure to dust is particularly a concern for people with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease and diabetes. Pregnant women, infants, older adults or people with respiratory infections such as COVID-19 are also at risk.
"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 exposure," reads a joint press release from the Ministry and Interior Health.
The advisory is in effect until further notice.
Original:
An air quality advisory has been issues for Vernon as of Friday at noon.
With little to no rain or snow over the past week, the dust has been stirred up around town.
City of Vernon street sweepers have been out, but unable to combat the situation.
The high concentrations of coarse particulate matter are expected to persist until there is precipitation, increased dust suppression or a change in traffic patterns, according the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
Environment Canada has forecast a 30 per cent chance of flurries today (Friday), with no other precipitation until possibly Wednesday, with a 60 per cent chance of flurries overnight.
The advisory, in collaboration with Interior Health, has been triggered by high concentrations of dust, measured as PM10 or particles 10 micrometers or smaller in diameter.
The provincial air quality objective for PM10 is 50 micrograms per cubic metre averaged over 24 hours.
Concentrations in Vernon as of 12 p.m. Jan. 17 are 56.2.
In comparison, Kelowna is 19.5, Golden is 25.6 and Castlegar is 10.9.
Tips to reduce your personal health risk:
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Avoid roads with heavy vehicle traffic and areas with wood smoke.
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity; if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Maintaining good overall health is a good way to reduce health risks resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Run an air cleaner. Some room air cleaners, such as HEPA filters, can help reduce indoor particulate levels provided they are the right size for your home and filters are changed regularly.
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ In public spaces, buildings with large indoor volumes of filtered outside air may provide temporary relief.
Additional tips for persons with chronic underlying medical conditions:
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ People with heart or respiratory conditions (including COVID-19) should watch for any change in symptoms that may be due to poor air quality exposure. If any symptoms are noted, affected individuals should take steps to reduce their exposure to poor air quality. If symptoms continue to be bothersome, seek medical attention.
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ People with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan.
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ People with chronic underlying medical conditions or acute infections should postpone or reduce strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted.
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed and reduce indoor sources of pollution such as smoking, vacuuming and use of wood stoves. When indoors, ensure physical distancing guidelines for COVID-19 are observed.
