With summer upon us, we are entering the air quality advisory season. Climate change has caused an increasing frequency and severity of wildfire smoke and heat waves. Throughout the province, we are experiencing droughts.
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| Example of Metro Vancouver air quality map. Select the map to enlarge. |
The Metro Vancouver Regional District is responsible for monitoring and issuing air quality advisories. This year, they are upgrading these advisories to make them easier to understand and including actions people can take when under an air quality advisory.
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| Air quality advisories by type between 2004-2034. Select the chart to enlarge. |
Actions include:
- Taking it easy and limiting outdoor activities. If you must be outside where an N95-type mask
- Running portable air cleaners
- Continuing to manage pre-existing chronic health conditions such as asthma, COPD or other lung diseases, heart disease, and diabetes
- Drinking plenty of water
- Protecting outdoor workers by finding alternate duties indoors, providing N95-type masks, and giving frequent breaks. Disconutinung work if required
- Providing indoor space for people who are unhoused
- Reducing indoor sources of air pollution (i.e., smoking and vacuuming)
- Implementing solutions to reduce smoke from entering and staying in commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings
You can find the latest air quality updates at http://airmap.ca/. You can also sign up for air quality advisories, bulletins, and updates to be delivered to your email inbox at https://metrovancouver.org/services/air-quality-climate-action/mailing-list.
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