Dust Advisory ended for Prince George, Burns Lake

PRINCE GEORGE — A dust advisory has been issued for the Prince George-area because of because of high concentrations of coarse particulate matter, and ‘elevated’ pollution levels.

The advisory was issued Saturday (April 5) by the Ministry of Environment and Parks in conjunction with Northern Health. It will remain in effect until further notice as conditions are expected to persist until there is precipitation, dust suppression or a change in traffic patterns.

Coarse particulate matter refers to airborne solid or liquid droplets with diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometers (µm). Together with fine particulate matter (airborne solid or liquid droplets with diameters of 2.5 µm or less), these particles are referred to as PM10.

“Sources of PM10 contributing to this air quality episode include road dust from the emission of winter traction material along busy and dry road surfaces. PM10 can easily penetrate indoors because of their small size,” the advisory said.

“Levels of coarse particulate matter tend to be the highest around busy roads and industrial operations.”

People with chronic underlying medical conditions or acute infections are being asked to postpone or reduce strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. They’re also being asked to, where appropriate, maintain physical distancing.

“Exposure is particularly a concern for individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, and diabetes; respiratory infections such as COVID-19, pregnant women, infants, and older adults,” the advisory said.

“Anyone experiencing symptoms such as continuing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough or wheezing, should follow the advice of their health care provider. Staying indoors helps to reduce exposure.”

While the City of Prince George’s Clean Air Bylaw prohibits all open burning – including backyard burning and land clearing burning – it also prohibits recreational fires, most wood-burning appliances, and street sweeping when an air quality advisory is in effect.

There are some exemptions to those restrictions, which also require that industrial operators follow requirements on their permits that are triggered during air quality advisories and to reduce emissions wherever possible.

A similar dust advisory was also issued in the Burns Lake area Saturday, while an advisory for Smithers was lifted.

You can find real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution here.

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.

by Victor Kaisar

Dust Advisory ended for Prince George, Burns Lake

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