The Straight received the following air-quality advisory from Metro Vancouver today (September 14). It is reprinted below in its entirety.

The Metro Vancouver Regional District is continuing an Air Quality Advisory for the Eastern Fraser Valley which includes the communities of Chilliwack, Agassiz, and Hope because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter, primarily due to smoke from wildfires burning in BC, Washington and Oregon, including the Flood Falls Trail wildfire burning near Hope. Smoke concentrations may vary widely as winds and temperatures change, and as wildfire behaviour changes.

The Metro Vancouver Regional District has ended the fine particulate matter Air Quality Advisory for Metro Vancouver and the Central Fraser Valley that has been in effect since September 10. Air quality has gradually improved but local haze is likely to persist through tomorrow (September 15). A more substantial change in the weather is forecast to occur on Friday (September 16) and will further improve air quality. While the advisory has ended for portions of the airshed, fine particulate matter concentrations are still somewhat elevated. 

Fine particulate matter, also known as PM_2.5, refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. PM_2.5 can easily penetrate indoors because of its small size.

Postpone or reduce outdoor physical activity while PM_2.5 concentrations are high, especially if breathing feels uncomfortable. Exposure to PM_2.5 is particularly a concern for people with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and/or diabetes; individuals with respiratory infections; pregnant women and infants; children; older adults; and outdoor workers (e.g. construction and agricultural workers). Individuals who are socially marginalized may also be at elevated risk (e.g. people who are experiencing homelessness or are underhoused).

Indoor spaces with HEPA air filtration and air conditioning can offer relief from both air pollution and heat. Consider setting up a clean air space in your home by running a portable HEPA air cleaner in one or more rooms or visiting a public building with air conditioning (e.g., community centre, library, mall, etc.). As we are in the summer season with warm temperatures, it is also important to stay cool and hydrated. If it is hot, also consider using a portable air conditioner to keep your indoor space comfortable (if you do not have central air conditioning).

If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, seek prompt medical attention. Call 911 in the case of an emergency.

Fact sheets on the health effects of wildfire smoke and information on how to reduce exposures, such as using air filtration, can be found at www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke.

Metro Vancouver works in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fraser Valley Regional District and BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to look after air quality.

Information about real-time air quality readings for Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley communities and potential health impacts can be found at www.airmap.ca and www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readings/find-stations-map.html.

To sign up for air quality alerts in your area, go to www.metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality/engagement/mailing-list.