9:33 a.m. (Jan. 9)
The special air quality advisory for Prince George has now ended.
4:28 p.m.(Jan. 8)
It's already cold and snowy outside and now the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, with Northern Health, has issued an air quality advisory for Prince George, due to high concentrations of fine particle matter.
The advisory says exposure to fine particles is a concern for infants, elderly and those who have diabetes, lung disease and/or heart disease.
"Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted," the statement reads. "If you are experiencing symptoms such as continuing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough or wheezing, follow the advice of your health care provider. Staying indoors helps to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter."
The City of Prince George's clean air bylaw prohibits all open burning, including backyard burning and land clearing burning.
The bylaw also prohibits recreational fires, use of wood-burning appliances (except for the sole wood burning heat users) and street sweeping activities (unless approved by an authorized person).
The effect remains in place until further notice.
Real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution can be found at HERE.
