NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - Not only does this cold air take your breath away but it can also be dangerous. Dehydration is a real concern and frostbite can also be an issue.
Tim Jones with North Shore Rescue explains what can cause the conditions. "It's prolonged exposure, so at these temperatures, this is when it is going to happen. It is centered on people who are outdoors quite a bit."
The risk of frostbite is increased when one is hypothermic or dehydrated. "But normally what you will see here in this kind of situation is superficial frostbite by exposure. So it's your nose, fingertips and ears that are exposed to the cold."
And superficial frostbite can look a little something like this. "A pale-type, hard area. Once it is re-warmed it comes right back. Initially there will be redness then sort of a whitish hue."
Fortunately most of us are not outside long enough to experience this. But construction workers, the homeless and others may be at risk.