An air quality advisory is in effect for Prince George as meteorologists are reporting a high level of concentration of dust in the city and its surrounding region.
Environment Canada, in a joint statement with Northern Health and B.C.'s Environment Ministry, issued the warning around 8 a.m. this morning (March 9) and will remain in effect 'until further notice.'
According to the latest data, Prince George's air concentration levels have averaged 60.3 micrograms per cubic metre in the last 24 hours. A normal level of dust in a B.C. community during that span is 50 micrograms per cubic metre.
Experts explain the dust is due to busier roads and an increase industrial operations with the weather warming up and the snow melting.
Coarse particulate matter is expected to persist until the next rainfall, a release reads.
"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," it adds.
"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."
As per a City of Prince George bylaw, in order to promote cleaner air following this advisory, all opening burning is prohibited until the advisory is lifted.
This includes backyard burning and land-clearing burning, recreational fires, street sweeping and the use of wood-burning appliances, unless for those that use them to heat their homes.
In this instance, burning dry wood is encouraged in ensuring healthy combustion air.
The same dust advisory is also in effect for places like Quesnel, Burns Lake and Smithers.
For more information, you can visit the BC Air Quality page of the provincial government's website.
