Environment Canada and B.C.’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy today issued a special air quality statement in effect for the Elkford area.

Stagnant winter weather conditions are creating elevated pollution levels, Environment Canada reported this morning.

The Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority issued the Air Quality Advisory for Elkford due to high concentrations of fine particulate matter that are expected to persist until weather conditions change.

“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. Where appropriate, maintain physical distancing,” Environment Canada advised.

“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. Staying indoors helps to reduce particulate matter exposure.

“Fine particulate matter, PM2.5, refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with diameters of 2.5 micrometres or less. PM2.5 levels tend to be highest around busy roads, industrial operations and neighbourhoods with residential wood burning. PM2.5 can easily penetrate indoors because of their small size. Sources of PM2.5 contributing to this air quality episode include emissions from wood smoke (woodstoves) as well as emissions from industry and transportation sources such as automobiles, trucks and rail traffic.”

Real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution can be found here.

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