Due to continued elevated pollution levels, Environment Canada has issued an Air Quality Advisory for the Cranbrook area.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority issued an Air Quality Advisory for Cranbrook on October 29. The Air Quality Advisory remains in effect 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,” Environment Canada pointed out.

“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. 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.”

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

Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk. People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution.

They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels.

Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits. Exposure to air pollution is particularly a concern for children, the elderly, and those who have underlying medical conditions such as lung or heart disease.

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