A dust advisory has been issued for Vernon, the provincial government and Environment Canada announced on Tuesday morning.
According to the Ministry of Environment, and in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority, the dust advisory is due to high concentrations of coarse particulates. The ministry said the advisory is expected to persist until there is a change in current weather conditions.
READ MORE: Vernon under a dust advisory
For Tuesday, Environment Canada listed the air quality health index for the North Okanagan at 4, or moderate risk. Both the Central Okanagan and South Okanagan were listed at 3, or low risk.
Get breaking National news
The ministry said persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Staying indoors and in air-conditioned spaces helps to reduce particulate exposure. The ministry says exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
- Old Man Winter wallops B.C.’s Mainland/Southwest region, major highway closed
- Calgary hit by unexpected blast of spring snow, causing dozens of crashes
- False spring strikes again: Saskatchewan prepares for incoming winter weather
- Albertans’ interest in alternative forms of travel growing as fuel prices spike
For more information on the air quality health index, click here.
For more information on air quality, click here.
Below are tips from the ministry to reduce health risk when a dusty advisory is issued:
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.
Additional tips for persons with chronic underlying medical conditions
- Stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed 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.
- Take shelter in air-conditioned buildings that have large indoor volumes and limited entry of outdoor air.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.