There’s bad air out there today.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, in collaboration with Northern Health, issued an air quality advisory for Prince George this morning because of the high concentration of fine particulate matter detected in the air.
The advisory remains in effect until further notice.
Exposure to fine particulate matter is concerning for infants, elderly, and those who have diabetes, lung or heart disease.
Also, anyone with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted and are advised to stay indoors to reduce exposure.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as continuing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough or wheezing, should seek the advice of a 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 asked to reduce emissions wherever possible during the advisory.
Real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution can be found at www.bcairquality.ca
