An air quality advisory is in effect for Prince George because of high quantities of dust in the air.
The air quality advisory is expected to last until the current weather pattern of light winds and dry conditions ends. Clouds and rain are forecast for late Wednesday evening.
As of 1 p.m. on Tuesday, the concentration of fine particulate - called PM 10 - at Plaza 400 downtown was measured at 59 micrograms per cubic metre of air. The monitoring station at the BCR Industrial Site reported 52 micrograms per cubic meter and the College Heights monitor reported 28 micrograms.
The B.C. provincial standard for PM 10 is 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air.
According to information released by the ministry, the current dusty conditions are caused by traffic stirring up grit and dust on the roads.
Northern Health advises residents to avoid strenuous activity outdoors during the air quality advisory. Parents of infants, the elderly and those with breathing or lung conditions like asthma should take additional precautions to reduce exposure.
Staying indoors with windows and doors closed can help reduce exposure to outside air pollutants.
Under the City of Prince George's Clean Air Bylaw all open burning, including recreational fires, is banned for the duration of the air quality advisory. Residents and business operators are asked to reduce emissions as much as possible for the duration.
Starting on Wednesday morning, the city will offer free fare on city buses as part of the Free Fare for Clean Air program. Free fair will last until midnight on the day the advisory ends.
