UPDATE March 7
A dust advisory has ended in Vernon.
The Ministry of Environment says dust levels have been decreasing due to the snow, and are currently below advisory levels.
The dusty conditions were mainly a result of road traction materials getting stirred up by vehicles.
March 4
Dust levels are on the rise again in Vernon.
The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health have re-issued a dust advisory due to higher than desired levels of coarse particulates recorded at the Vernon Science Centre this morning, reducing air quality.
“PM10 concentrations are currently above advisory levels. Latest measurements at the Vernon Science Centre indicate an hourly average of 67 micrograms per cubic metre.
The average for the past 24 hours is 63 micrograms per cubic metre, which exceeds the provincial air quality objective of 50 micrograms per cubic metre,” says Air Quality Meteorologist Graham Veale.
The increased dust is mainly caused by winter traction material getting stirred-up by road traffic, and it can be a health issue for people with breathing problems.
“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.”
The high levels are expected to continue until there is a change in the weather, which could be Wednesday when periods of snow are forecast.
More information on current air quality can be found at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.
