New air quality warning issued for Metro Vancouver as wildfire smoke arrives
A day after ending an air quality advisory related to ground-level ozone caused by hot weather, Metro Vancouver has issued a new air quality advisory because of wildfire smoke.
The regional authority announced the latest air quality advisory in a news release Sunday afternoon, saying "high concentrations of fine particulate matter" are expected over the next few days.
"Smoke from wildfires burning in the Interior of B.C. and Washington has moved into and over our region, contributing to elevated fine particulate matter concentrations and hazy skies," Metro Vancouver said in the statement. "Onshore winds forecast for Tuesday may begin to clear the smoke."
The advisory is in place for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Regional District. Metro Vancouver said smoke concentrations may vary widely across the region as wind, temperatures and fire behaviour all change.
"Fine particulate matter" is defined as airborne solid or liquid particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. Metro Vancouver says such particles "can easily penetrate indoors" because of their small size.
Exposure to fine particulate matter is of particular concern for people with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and diabetes, according to Metro Vancouver.
People with respiratory infections, including COVID-19, as well as children, infants, older adults and people who are pregnant are also at elevated risk, as are people experiencing homelessness, the regional authority said.
Metro Vancouver recommends postponing or reducing outdoor physical activity until the advisory is lifted; staying cool and hydrated; and seeking shelter in indoor spaces with air conditioning and HEPA air filtration.
Those experiencing chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing should seek medical attention, Metro Vancouver says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Police investigating shooting outside of Drake's Bridle Path mansion: source
Toronto police are investigating a shooting that took place outside of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion early Tuesday morning, a source tells CP24.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
Your body needs these three forms of movement every week
Movement is movement, right? Not exactly. Here’s what your body is looking for in addition to your morning walk or yoga session, according to experts.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Quebec to limit sperm donations per donor after 3 men from same family father hundreds of children
Quebec is looking at tightening the regulations around sperm donation in the province following the release of a documentary that revealed three men from the same family fathered hundreds of children.
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.