Prince George, B.C.-  An Air Quality Advisory has been issued for Prince George due to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). 

 

All residents are advised that these high levels of particulate matter could have adverse health effects in children, the elderly and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung disease. Residents especially those at high risk should consider reducing strenuous outdoor activities during the advisory and/or adjusting any medication in consultation with their physician.

 

The Air Quality objective for PM_2.5 is 25 µg/m³ for a 24 hour average. Residents should be aware that advisories are only issued when the air quality objective is exceeded but that the majority of adverse health effects are due to long term exposure to fine particulate matter starting at levels well below 25 µg/m³

 

Residents are reminded that the City’s Clean Air Bylaw prohibits the use of wood-burning appliances, except for Sole Wood Burning Heat Users, and that open burning, including backyard burning and land clearing burning is banned during Air Quality Advisories. Please note that this advisory also prohibits recreational fires and street sweeping activities. Industry is asked to reduce emissions wherever possible during the air quality advisory.

 

For information on particulate matter levels, please call the 24 hour Ministry of Environment Air Quality Index Line at (250) 565-6457 or check the Ministry’s website at http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/aqiis/air.summary .

 

For information on the City’s Clean Air Bylaw, please contact City Hall at (250) 561-7600 or visit the City’s website at www.city.pg.bc.ca

 

For information on the effects of air quality on persons with respiratory or cardiac illnesses please contact Northern Health at (250) 565- 2150 or visit the Northern Health website at www.Northernhealth.ca

 

Based on the air quality data, the high levels are mainly due combustion emissions (smoke). A high pressure ridge has brought calm winds over the region resulting in pollutants accumulating in the air shed. The 24 hour PM_2.5 rolling average was 29 µg/m³ at the Plaza 400 downtown site at 4:00 pm and 19 µg/m³ at College Heights. The 24 hour PM₁₀ rolling average was 42 µg/m³ at the Plaza 400 downtown, 34 µg/m³ at BCR and 34µg/m³ at College Heights. This Air Quality Advisory is expected to be in effect until further notice, with an update to be provided late tomorrow morning at 9:30am.