By Corey Fischer

Update: Dust Advisory Lifted For Vernon

Mar 6, 2018 | 10:36 AM

Update:

A change in the weather has put an end to a dust advisory for Vernon.

The air quality notice was issued Monday due to increased levels course particulates, caused by road traffic stirring up winter traction material.

The Environment Ministry and Interior Health say the readings have dropped to acceptable levels, which is expected to continue for the next few days.

“Coarse particulate (PM10) concentrations have been decreasing, and are currently below advisory levels,” says Meteorologist Tarek Ayache. “Latest PM10 measurements at the Vernon Science Centre station indicate an hourly average of 26 micrograms per cubic metre. The average for the past 24 hours is 35 micrograms per cubic metre, which is below the provincial air quality objective of 50 micrograms per cubic metre.”

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March 5 story:

A dust advisory has been issued for Vernon.

The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health says it’s due to high concentrations of coarse particulates, which are expected to remain until there is a change in the weather, such as snow or rain.

Meteorologist Tarek Ayache says the dusty conditions are mainly caused by road traffic stirring up winter traction

Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions are advised to put off strenuous outdoor exercise until the advisory is lifted, and avoid roads with heavy vehicle traffic.

Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and thosewho have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.

Tips to reduce your personal health risk

• Avoid roads with heavy vehicle traffic.

• Continue to control medical conditions such as asthma, chronic respiratory disease and heart failure. If symptoms continue to be bothersome, seek medical attention.

• Maintaining good overall health is a good way to reduce health risks resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.

Additional tips for persons with chronic underlying medical conditions

• Stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed and reduce indoor sources of pollution such as smoking, vacuuming and use of wood stoves.

• Run an air cleaner. Some room air cleaners – such as HEPA filters – can help reduce indoor particulate levels, provided they are the right size for your home and filters are changed regularly.
• Take shelter in air-conditioned buildings that have large indoor volumes and limited entry of outdoor air.

by Corey Fischer