Vanderhoof had the highest level of fine particulate matter in the air of any community in the province according to B.C. Lung Association report released Wednesday.
Using data provided by the provincial government the report found that Vanderhoof had 10.9 micrograms of fine particulate matter per cubic metre, well above the provincial target of eight micrograms.
B.C. Lung Association program manager Dr. Menn Biagtan said high levels of fine particulates are a concern because they can makes things worse for people who already have heart or lung health issues.
"It has been directly linked to adverse health effects, for example for people who have pre-existing heart and lung conditions," she said. "It could aggravate conditions like asthma or [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]."
Prince George had 6.1 micrograms of fine particulate matter per cubic metres last year, putting the city in the middle of the pack provincially. Kitimat had the lowest level at just 2.2 micrograms.
Biagtan said the levels recorded in each community are meant to give a general picture and the exact amount of fine particulate someone is exposed to can vary depending on where people live and work.
"It's a regional measurement," she said. "It doesn't give you the exact measurement of pollutants in the area where you live or work . . . in your area it could be worse or better."
Vehicle emissions and smoke from biomass burning are the two main causes of fine particulate in the air. Biagtan said Vanderhoof's level could be high due to its topography - since it's located in a valley some particulate matter from industry or wood-burning stoves can get trapped, especially in the winter.
Another possible reason why Vanderhoof's results are high is because it's one of the 12 communities using new, more precise air quality monitors. However, the Vanderhoof figure is still noticeably higher than second-place Courtenay (9.1 micrograms) where the new monitors are also in use.
The lung association's report is aimed at raising awareness about what's in the air as well as suggesting ways to improve air quality. Biagtan said encouraging more people to cycle or take public transit to work will improve the air as well as modernizing wood stoves.
Additionally, she said schools and medical facilities can be built away from major roadways and people concerned about air quality can choose to live in areas with less traffic.
"If you're choosing to live in a busy area, then choose a place 300 metres to 500 metres away from a major roadway," Biagtan said.
