By Duane Grandbois

Air Quality Advisory Issued Again for North Okanagan

Mar 11, 2018 | 8:32 AM

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy , in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority, has once again issued a Dust Advisory for Vernon.

This is due to high concentrations of coarse particulates which are expected to persist until there is a change in current weather conditions
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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.

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

Tips to reduce your personal health risk
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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.
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Maintaining good overall health is a good way to reduce health risks resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.

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Additional tips for persons with chronic underlying medical conditions
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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.

Additional information
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The current advisory has been triggered by high concentrations of dust caused by road traffic stirring up winter traction materials that have accumulated on roadways over the winter months

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

by Duane Grandbois