Air Quality Advisory issued for parts of BC
Posted July 6, 2017 3:30 pm.
Last Updated July 6, 2017 7:11 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – An Air Quality Advisory has been issued for parts of the eastern lower mainland and Fraser Valleyfor at least two days.
Recent hot and dry weather is pushing air quality levels into the “moderate” zone. Metro Vancouver says high concentrations of ground-level ozone can cause health concerns for babies, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.
“Ground level ozone can be an irritant so it can affect people when they breathe it,” says Metro Vancouver’s Ken Reid. “Their eyes, nose and throat,so it’s important for us to get the information out there.”
Ground level ozone is highest in the mid-afternoon, and that’s when you’re being told to avoid strenuous activity outside.
“We have a comprehensive air monitoring network, from Horseshoe Bay to Hope. We’re continually monitoring air quality conditions, and as conditions change we’ll let people know what’s going on.”
Smoke from the fire burning near Harrison Hot Springs is also reaching parts of the lower Fraser Valley, but that hasn’t reached the point of triggering an advisory. It has slightly affected visual air quality, and things may look a bit hazy as a result.
According to Metro Vancouver, the advisory will continue until temperatures cool.
