“Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted,” says Air Quality Meteorologist Graham Veale. “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.

Municipal crews have begun street sweeping programs which will alleviate the issue over the next few weeks.

More information on current air quality can be found at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.

March 18

It’s getting dusty again in Vernon.

The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health have issued a Dust Advisory for Vernon due to high levels of dust in the air.

It’s the third such advisory this year, and its expected to continue until there is precipitation.

The conditions, which can be a health issue for people with breathing issues, are mainly caused by road traffic stirring up winter traction material.

“The current advisory has been triggered by high concentrations of dust, measured as “PM10” – particles with diameter up to 10 millionth of a metre,” says Air Quality Meteorologist Graham Veale.

“PM10 concentrations are currently above advisory levels. Latest measurements at the Vernon Science Centre indicate an hourly average of 80 micrograms per cubic metre.
The average for the past 24 hours is 59 micrograms per cubic metre, which exceeds the provincial air quality objective of 50 micrograms per cubic metre,” says Veale.

The Ministry says people 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.

More information on current air quality can be found at:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.

by Corey Fischer