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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.

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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.

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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.

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