UPDATE, Nov. 24:
The Air Quality Advisory has now ended, according to the Ministry of Environment.
ORIGINAL:
The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with Northern Health, has today (Nov. 23) issued and Air Quality Advisory for Quesnel.
A Ministry news release says high concentrations of fine particulate matter are expected to persist until weather conditions change. Highest concentrations will occur during the evening and early morning hours.
This advisory remains in effect until further notice.
Exposure to fine particulate matter is of particular concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease. Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. If you are experiencing symptoms such as continuing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough or wheezing, follow the advice of your health care provider.
Staying indoors helps to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter.
Real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution can be found at www.bcairquality.ca.
Tips to reduce your personal health risk:
- People with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of poor air quality and 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. Depending on the severity of symptoms, people should go to their health care provider, walk-in clinic or emergency department.
- Residents with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan.
- Maintaining good overall health is a good way to prevent health effects resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.
- Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity; if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
- Avoid roads with heavy vehicle traffic and areas with wood smoke.
- Stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed and reduce indoor sources of pollution such as smoking, vacuuming and use of woodstoves.
- Run an air cleaner. Some room air cleaners, such as HEPA filters, can help reduce indoor concentrations of fine particulate matter provided the filters are the right size for your home and are kept clean.
- Buildings which have large indoor volumes of filtered outside air may provide temporary relief for those with respiratory and cardiac issues.
READ MORE: App converts B.C. air quality to cigarettes smoked
editor@quesnelobserver.com
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