Metro Vancouver has issued an Air Quality Advisory for eastern Metro Vancouver and the central Fraser Valley Regional District because of high concentrations of ground-level ozone that are expected to persist for a few days during the hot and sunny weather.
The current weather forecast indicates extremely hot temperatures through at least Monday.
“Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly into the air,” said a news release. “It is formed when nitrogen oxides (pollutants emitted when fuels are burned) and volatile organic compounds (emitted from solvents and other sources) react in the air in the presence of sunlight. The highest levels of ground-level ozone are generally observed between mid-afternoon and early evening on summer days.”
People are being urged to void strenuous outdoor activities during mid-afternoon to early evening, when ozone levels are highest, “especially if breathing feels uncomfortable. Consider choosing easier outdoor activities, such as walking instead of running, where you don’t have to breathe as hard. Exposure is particularly a concern for people with underlying conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including bronchitis and emphysema, as well as asthma, and/or diabetes; individuals with respiratory infections such as COVID-19; pregnant women and infants; children; outdoor workers (e.g. construction and agricultural workers); and older adults. Individuals who are socially marginalized may also be at elevated risk (e.g. people who are experiencing homelessness or are underhoused).”
