Another smoky day for Vernon.
The air quality index is at 7, which is at the lower end of high risk.
Some areas of the province have seen an increase in the number of people showing up at hospital emergency rooms suffering the effects of the smoke.
Officials at Vernon Jubilee Hospital says they haven’t seen a noticeable increase.
But they are urging people to be mindful of their activity.
Interior Health medical health officer Dr. Sue Pollock says you should take your general health into account.
“We don’t necessarily discourage people from doing physical activity because that’s important for health as well. But if they’re outside doing activity and their breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable they should stop or reduce their activity.”
Dr. Pollock says anyone who has trouble breathing or is experiencing chest pain should seek medical help immediately.
You also have to be aware of your indoor environment.
“It is important to know that smoke can penetrate buildings and the indoor air quality can be as bad as outdoors. So, it’s actually recommended that individuals, is possible have an air conditioning unit that’s on recirculate and they keep their doors and windows shut.”
It’s important to remember that spikes in particulate matter are short-lived, as is the wildfire season, and related smoke so far is not considered to have long-term health impacts
