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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.