UPDATE March 16:
The dust has settled in Vernon.
An air quality advisory issued yesterday has ended as of today, Saturday, as coarse particulate matter levels are now below normal.
ORIGINAL March 15:
The sun is shining and the dust is rising.
Another dust advisory has been issued for Vernon.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority, issued the advisory Friday morning (March 15) because of high concentrations of coarse particulate matter that are expected to persist until there is precipitation, dust suppression or a change in traffic patterns.
The provincial air quality objective for PM10 is 50 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3 ), averaged over 24 hours.
In Vernon, concentrations are 55.3, compared to Kelowna at 24.9.
An advisory is also in effect in Cranbrook, where levels are at 71.2, compared to Castlegar at 18.6.
Levels tend to be highest around busy roads and industrial operations. This advisory is in effect until further notice.
Exposure is particularly a concern for individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, and diabetes; respiratory infections such as COVID-19, pregnant women, infants, and older adults.
Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions or acute infections should postpone or reduce strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Where appropriate, maintain physical distancing. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as continuing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough or wheezing, should follow the advice of their healthcare provider. Staying indoors helps to reduce particulate matter exposure.
Real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution can be found at https://www.gov.bc.ca/airquality.
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