UPDATE: Air Quality Advisory for Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley cancelled

Metro Vancouver has cancelled the air quality advisory for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District. Authorities say air quality has improved because of the weather system moving through the region.

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VANCOUVER – An Air Quality Advisory has been issued for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District due to “high concentrations of fine particulate matter”, primarily due to smoke from wildfires burning outside our region.

Fine particulate matter refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with high concentrations around busy roads, industrial operations, major ports as well as areas with residential wood burning.

Metro Vancouver says people with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Staying indoors and in air conditioned spaces helps to reduce fine particulate exposure, which is particularly concerning for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.

The Air Quality Advisory is expected to continue until Wednesday when rain showers are forecast.

Tips to reduce your personal health risk.

• Avoid roads with heavy vehicle traffic and areas with wood smoke.
• Stay cool and drink plenty of water.
• Continue to manage 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.

For people with chronic underlying medical conditions:

• Stay indoors in a cool, air-conditioned environment and reduce indoor sources of pollution such as smoking, vacuuming and use of wood stoves.
• Run an air cleaner. Some room air cleaners, such as HEPA filters, can help reduce indoor particulate levels provided they are the right size for your home and filters are changed regularly.
• Take shelter in air-conditioned buildings which have large indoor volumes and limited entry of outdoor air.