There’s a dust advisory in effect for Prince George due to high concentrations of coarse particulate matter that is expected to persist until it snows late Wednesday and into Thursday.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in collaboration with the Northern Health Authority has issued the advisory because exposure is a concern, particularly 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.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as continuing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, should follow the advice of their health care provider.
Staying indoors helps to reduce exposure.
The City of Prince George’s Clean Air Bylaw prohibits all open burning, including backyard burning, and land clearing burning.
During air quality advisories, this bylaw also prohibits recreational fires, use of wood-burning appliances (except for sole wood burning heat users), and street sweeping activities (unless approved by an authorized person).
Industry is required to follow permit requirements that are triggered during air quality advisories and are asked to reduce emissions wherever possible.
Real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution can be found at www.gov.bc.ca/airquality.
