The North Okanagan’s brief reprieve from dusty skies has ended.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority issued a dust advisory for Vernon, B.C., due to “high concentrations of coarse particulate matter” that are expected to persist until there is precipitation, dust suppression or a change in traffic patterns.
Levels tend to be highest around busy roads and industrial operations. This advisory is in effect until further notice.
![Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.](https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/themes/shaw-globalnews/images/skyline/national.jpg)
Get daily National news
The notice indicates that exposure is of particular concern for individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease and diabetes; respiratory infections such as COVID-19; as well as pregnant women, infants and older adults.
![Click to play video: 'Vernon remains under dust advisory after 16 days'](https://i2.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videostatic/696/71/vernon_dust_advisory_848x480_1467473987793.jpg?w=1040&quality=70&strip=all)
Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions or acute infections should postpone or reduce strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted.
Vernon dust advisories appear to be part of a rising trend. In the last few years, Vernon has been living with dust advisories in the spring and early summer for an increasing number of days.
Real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution can be found on a provincial government website.
Comments