UPDATE ON FRIDAY, JULY 7:
The Metro Vancouver Regional District on Friday afternoon (July 7) lifted the air quality advisory that was issued Thursday. The district says air quality has improved due to cooler temperatures and “favourable winds.”
ORIGINAL STORY:
Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) issued an air quality advisory on Thursday afternoon (July 6) for Metro Vancouver and the eastern and central Fraser Valley.
MVRD said the advisory has been issued due to hot and sunny conditions combined with wildfire smoke, which is causing elevated ground-level ozone concentrations.
The district suggests avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during mid-afternoon to early evening, when ozone levels are highest, especially if breathing feels uncomfortable.
RELATED: Canada’s record-breaking wildfire season expected to burn hot for months
“Consider choosing easier outdoor activities, such as walking instead of running, where you do not have to breathe as hard,” a press release states.
The release says that exposure is particularly a concern for people with: underlying conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung diseases; heart diseases; diabetes; and respiratory infections.
Pregnant women, infants and children, older adults and outdoor workers are also advised to take precautions.
Information about real-time air quality readings for Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley communities and potential health impacts can be found at airmap.ca and env.gov.bc.ca
