An ongoing heat wave has triggered four air quality advisories as smog settles over some of B.C.'s biggest urban areas.
Metro Vancouver issued the air quality advisories across its northeast and southeast regions — which include the Tri-Cities, Maple Ridge, Surrey and Langley — and into the Fraser Valley as far as Hope.
“Hot and sunny weather in combination with local emissions has resulted in elevated levels of ground-level ozone,” warns the metro authority in a bulletin.
Ground-level ozone forms when pollutants from gas vehicles and industry react with sunlight. The resulting smog can impact people’s health, especially those who have pre-existing health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung and heart disease, or diabetes. Children and infants, those who are pregnant and older people are also particularly vulnerable to the pollution.
Metro Vancouver recommends people in the affected areas limit outdoor exercise and restrict activity to cool, air-conditioned spaces during the afternoon when ozone levels tend to peak.
“Heat and air pollution can happen together,” states the bulletin. “Stay cool and drink plenty of water.”
The regional body recommends using air conditioning, and if unavailable at home, accessing public spaces with treated air like community centres, libraries or shopping malls.
Anyone experiencing chest discomfort, shortness of breath, severe coughing or wheezing, and dizziness is encouraged to seek medical attention.
“Check on family, friends, and neighbours often, and call 911 in the case of an emergency,” warns Metro.
