Advertisement

Baking heat prompts air quality advisory for Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley

Click to play video: 'Advice on how to beat the heat'
Advice on how to beat the heat
The next few days will see record-breaking heat, which means it's important to practice warm weather safety. Sarah Henderson, BCCDC Environmental Health Scientist, shares her advice. – Jun 26, 2021

Regional officials have issued an air quality advisory for eastern Metro Vancouver and the central Fraser Valley due to high concentrations of ground-level ozone.

People are being advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities in the mid-afternoon and early evening.

The poor air quality is of particular concern to people with underlying conditions like heart or lung disease, asthma, diabetes or respiratory illnesses including COVID-19.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Pregnant women, children and people who work outdoors are also at risk, Metro Vancouver said.

Ground-level ozone is formed when pollutants produced by fuel combustion and volatile organic compounds, like those generated from solvents, react in sunlight.

Story continues below advertisement

It persists in highest concentrations during mid-afternoon and early evening on hot summer days.

Metro Vancouver estimated the ozone would persist with the hot, sunny weather — which is forecast to last into next week.

Click to play video: 'Oppressive and dangerous heat has arrived across B.C.'
Oppressive and dangerous heat has arrived across B.C.

Sponsored content

AdChoices