Environment Canada has issued an air quality advisory for Prince George this morning stating that elevated pollution levels are expected or occurring.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in Collaboration with the Northern Health Authority has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Prince George due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter that are expected to persist until weather conditions change.
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 healthcare provider. Staying indoors helps to reduce particulate matter exposure.
The City of Prince George's Clean Air Bylaw prohibits all open burning, including back-yard burning, and land clearing burning and 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 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: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air.
