Cupid had to travel through dust particles to and from Vernon.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority issued a dust advisory for Vernon on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, Feb. 14.
The advisory remains in effect due to high concentrations of coarse particulate matter that are expected to persist until there is precipitation, dust suppression or a change in traffic patterns. Levels tend to be highest around busy roads and industrial operations.
This advisory is in effect until further notice.
Environment Canada suggests there could be snow and/or rain in Vernon Saturday night, Feb. 10, and Sunday, Feb. 11.
The provincial air quality objective for PM10 is 50 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3), averaged over 24 hours. Vernon’s 24-hour measure, as of 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, was 51.2. Kelowna registered 19.3 and Golden came in at 42.5.
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 health care 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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