UPDATE: Dust advisory for Vernon ended

By Pete McIntyre

Feb 4, 2020 | 12:00 PM

UPDATE Feb. 4

A road dust advisory for Vernon has been lifted.

B.C.’s Environment Ministry says the snow today has improved conditions across the region, and dust levels in Vernon have dropped.

“The provincial air quality objective for PM10, (particulate matter) is 50 micrograms per cubic metre, averaged over 24 hours. Vernon’s reading as of 12 p.m. was 54.8. The hourly average values of PM10 in Vernon are significantly lower due to recent precipitation and the air quality continues to improve,” said a news release from the Ministry of Environment.

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Feb. 3

The first road dust advisory of the year has been issued for Vernon.

It’s an annual issue caused by high levels of road dust emitted into the air when traffic volumes are high and winter traction material is present on dry road surfaces.

Levels tend to be highest around busy roads and industrial operations.

“Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise near busy roads until the advisory is lifted. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease,” a news release from Interior Health and B.C.’s Ministry of Environment said.

The provincial air quality objective for PM10 (particulate matter, is 50 micrograms per cubic metre) averaged over 24 hours.

At 8 a.m Monday, Vernon’s PM10 concentration was 74.5 while Kelowna’s was 18.8.

Real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution can be found here.

by Pete McIntyre

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