An air quality alert advising Fraser Valley residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity Friday afternoon and evening has been issued by Metro Vancouver.
“Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions such as lung or heart disease and asthma,” Metro Vancouver air quality staff said in the advisory.
If you are having chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing stay indoors in air conditioned spaces.
The alert stems from increasing amounts of ground level ozone created when chemical emissions from motor vehicles and other sources combine with sunlight.
Julie Saxton, air quality planner at Metro Vancouver, said ozone levels were low Wednesday, but began increasing Thursday, probable due to a change in air patterns.
She said the advisory could be lifted Saturday evening as weather conditions are expected to change again.
For more current emission levels go to the BC Air Quality website.
