Prince George’s dusty springtime roads are affecting the city’s air quality prompting Environment Canada to issue a special advisory.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in collaboration with the Northern Health Authority has issued the advisory 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
Levels tend to be highest around busy roads and industrial operations and this advisory is in effect until further notice.
10:36 EnvCanada issued #AirQuality statement #PrinceGeorge #BCStorm https://t.co/PB9rSxVLkT
— PrinceGeorge (@ECAlertBC79) April 12, 2022
Environment Canada says 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.
Staying indoors helps to reduce particulate matter exposure.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as continuing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough or wheezing, should also follow the advice of their health care provider.
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.
Industry is also 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 here.
