Air quality advisory issued for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley
Posted August 16, 2020 4:19 pm.
Last Updated August 16, 2020 4:20 pm.
VANCOUVER — An air quality advisory is in effect for the eastern parts of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
In a release, the federation that represents 21 municipalities in Metro Vancouver says the advisory was prompted by high concentrations of ground-level ozone that are expected to persist until Monday or potentially longer as hot and sunny weather continues.
#AirQuality Advisory issued for @FVRD1 and eastern parts of Metro Vancouver due to high concentrations of ground-level ozone that are expected to persist until Monday and potentially longer as hot & sunny weather continues. #GroundLevelOzone https://t.co/nfWAgt7621
— Metro Vancouver (@MetroVancouver) August 16, 2020
A special weather alert from Environment Canada says temperatures will peak in Metro Vancouver and the surrounding area on Sunday and gradually decline throughout the week.
The release from Metro Vancouver says ground-level ozone is usually highest from the mid-afternoon to early evening and suggests avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during that time.
“Consider choosing easier outdoor activities such as walking instead of running where you don’t have to breathe as hard. Exposure is particularly a concern for people with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including bronchitis and emphysema, as well as asthma, and/or diabetes, individuals with respiratory infections such as COVID-19, pregnant women and infants, children, outdoor workers (e.g. construction and agricultural workers), and older adults. Individuals who are socially marginalized may also be at elevated risk,” the release reads.
Metro Vancouver says ground-level ozone is formed when pollutants from burning fossil fuels and volatile organic compounds that come from solvents react in the air in the presence of sunlight.
With files from Lisa Steacy
