Heavy road dust in Houston and Burns Lake is putting residents’ health at risk this weekend.
Northern Health and the Ministry of Environment are warning residents in both communities to keep their windows sealed and avoid strenuous activity outside.
Officials are warning anyone who has continuous eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough or wheeze to consult their doctor.
Elderly residents and residents with asthma, hay ever, breathing or lung conditions are advised to take extra caution.
On Friday, health officials say the concentration of larger dust particles in Burns Lake was nearly twice the recommended provincial limit.
To reduce the risk of dust-related health problems, officials advise residents to avoid heavy-traffic roads and avoid smoking, vacuuming or firing wood stoves inside.
According to the advisory, this weekend’s high dust levels are due to road grit that built up over the winter. The dust will likely continue to be a problem until it rains or the streets are cleaned.
For real-time air quality information, visit www.bcairquality.ca.
