An air quality advisory issued yesterday afternoon remains in effect with readings for fine particulate well above levels considered to be safe for people with chronic lung and heart problems.
As of 8 a.m., the 24-hour rolling average was 39 micrograms per cubic metre at Plaza 400 downtown and 38 at College Heights. A level of 25 or higher triggers an advisory, according to the Ministry of Environment.
Readings for coarse particulate were also at or nearing the advisory level of 50 micrograms per cubic metre. At Plaza 400, it was 45, at College Heights it was 46 and at BCR it was 50.
"Based on the air quality data, the high levels are mainly due to long range transport of smoke from open burning west of Vanderhoof with some contribution from with local wood smoke and emissions from industry," officials said in a press release.
"A high pressure ridge moving over the area resulted in pollutants remaining high overnight. Levels are expected to gradually improve this afternoon. "
