Prince George is now under a special air quality statement as elevated pollution levels are expected or occurring.
Environment Canada issued the advisory for Prince George and Quesnel at 11:45 a.m. (Feb. 14) due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter.
Northern Health is enrcouaging people to stay indoors, if possible as 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.
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.
11:45 EnvCanada issued statement #AirQuality #PrinceGeorge #BCStorm https://t.co/PB9rSxVLkT
— PrinceGeorge (@ECAlertBC79) February 14, 2021
The City of Prince George’s Clean Air Bylaw also comes into effect during an air quality advisory. It 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 required to follow permit requirements that are triggered during air quality advisories and are asked to reduce emissions wherever possible.
Real-time air quality data can be found here.
