Times Chronicle Staff
An special air quality statement has been issued for the South Okanagan after numerous regions across BC are being impacted or are likely to be impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours, according to Environment Canada.
At the time of issue at just after 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4 the air quality index was listed as “4 – Moderate Risk”. The forecast sees the index climbing to 6 on Friday afternoon.
The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks noted that during a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour-by-hour and advised the public to monitor the situation for any wildfires near your area at EmergencyInfoBC. Follow all emergency announcements relevant to your location.
“As smoke levels increase, health risks increase,” the province warned, recommending that individuals limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.
“You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.”
Smoke forecast for early Friday morning.
Firesmoke.ca
Those more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, include people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool. Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke. Actions can include using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system and/or a certified portable air cleaner that can filter fine particles.
If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles in the smoke.
Even though exposure may be reduced, there can still be risks to health. Check in on others who are in your care or live nearby who may be more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution. and follow guidance from local authorities.
Learn more at canada.ca/wildfire-smoke, for more information on current air quality, visit gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air and visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values. Visit the Province’s Air Quality Warnings webpage for more information.
