Air quality advisory issued for Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley
Posted September 8, 2020 1:59 pm.
Last Updated September 8, 2020 9:06 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — An air quality advisory has been issued for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley after smoke from wildfires burning in Washington, Oregon, and California moved over the region in the morning.
Metro Vancouver issued the advisory Tuesday afternoon.
High concentrations of fine particulate matter are expected to persist through at least the night.
#AirQualityAdvisory issued for #MetroVancouver and @FVRD1 due to high concentrations of fine particulate (PM2.5) from smoke from #wildfires burning in Washington, Oregon and California. Smoke levels may vary across the region as winds, temperatures and wildfires change. pic.twitter.com/LElqxwxHop
— Metro Vancouver (@MetroVancouver) September 8, 2020
People with chronic underlying medical conditions or acute infections such as COVID-19 should postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity until the advisory is lifted.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, according to Metro Vancouver.
Air quality health index (AQHI) readings not good for Metro Vancouver this afternoon due to wildfire smoke pic.twitter.com/0DABjKxlGa
— Michael Kuss (@Kusswx) September 8, 2020
“Exposure to PM2.5 is particularly a concern for people with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and/or diabetes, individuals with respiratory infections such as COVID-19, pregnant women and infants, children, and older adults. Individuals who are socially marginalized may also be at elevated risk.”
RELATED: Smoke from Washington affecting Metro Vancouver air quality
Metro Vancouver also advises, with warm summer temperatures, to stay cool and hydrated.
“Indoor spaces with HEPA air cleaner filtration and air conditioning may offer relief from both heat and air pollution, but physical distancing guidelines for COVID-19 should still be observed. If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, seek prompt medical attention. Call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.”
NEWS 1130 meteorologist Michael Kuss said the haze over the region is expected to last three or four days.
“Every day we’ll probably get a little bit of it over the next three to four days as winds become easterly, at least in the mornings.”
An air quality advisory has been issued for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley after smoke from wildfires burning in Washington, Oregon, and California moved over the region in the morning.https://t.co/faP4NKvxhZ pic.twitter.com/4NOyKKIvpa
— CityNews 1130 Vancouver (Inactive) (@news1130) September 9, 2020
