Update: Dust Advisory Lifted

Feb 28, 2019 | 10:10 AM

UPDATE Feb. 28

The new snow has improved the air quality in Vernon.

It’s allowed the Environment Ministry and Interior Health to lift a two day old Dust Advisory caused by road traffic stirring up winter traction material.

The ministry says the latest dust level readings at the Vernon Science Centre are below advisory levels of 50 micrograms per cubic metre.

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Feb. 27

A dust advisory is continuing for a second day in the Vernon area.

The Ministry of Environment says dust levels in the air are lower than Tuesday but remain above advisory levels.

“Latest measurements at the Vernon Science Centre indicate an hourly average of 66 micrograms per cubic metre. The average for the past 24 hours is 71 micrograms per cubic metre, which exceeds the provincial air quality objective of 50 micrograms per cubic metre,” says Graham Veale, Air Quality Meteorologist.

Interior Health says exposure to the conditions is a particular concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.

“The current dusty conditions are mainly caused by road traffic stirring up winter traction materials that have accumulated on roadways over the winter months,” says Veale. “Dry meteorological conditions have contributed to accumulation of dust in the airshed.”

Feb. 26

It’s getting dusty again around Vernon.

The Environment Ministry and Interior Health have issued a dust advisory for the area due to road traffic stirring up winter traction material.

The readings this morning at the Vernon Science Centre were 238 micrograms per cubic metre. well above the provincial objective of 50.

The conditions can be a health issue for some people, and are expected to continue until there is a change in the weather.

“Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Staying indoors and in air-conditioned spaces helps to reduce particulate exposure. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease,” says a release from the Ministry.

The Ministry says exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.

Real-time air quality information from Vernon and other B.C. communities can be found at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.

The last dust advisory for Vernon lasted four days, ending on Jan. 31.

by Corey Fischer