Dust advisory issued for Vernon

The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health Authority (IHA) have issued a dust advisory for Vernon.  

“The current dusty conditions are mainly caused by road traffic stirring up winter traction materials that have accumulated on roadways over the winter months,” according to an IHA news release. “Dry and stagnant meteorological conditions have contributed to accumulation of dust in the Airshed.”

The high concentration of dust is expected to stay in the region until the current weather conditions change.

People with chronic medical conditions are being asked to scale back their activities until the advisory is lifted, stay inside and in air-conditioned spaces.

Infants, seniors and those who have diabetes, lung or heart disease are also being asked to take precautions.

For the general public IHA released the following tips:

Tips to reduce your personal health risk:
• Avoid roads with heavy vehicle traffic.
• Continue to control medical conditions such as asthma, chronic respiratory disease and heart failure. If symptoms continue to be bothersome, seek medical attention.
• Maintaining good overall health is a good way to reduce health risks resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.