The glowing red sun behind the haze was a good clue not all was normal in the sky over Burnaby this morning.
The city has exceeded 10 – the highest-risk air category - on the air quality health index scale, with five of Burnaby’s six monitoring stations coming in at 11 as of 8 a.m. The sixth, Burnaby Mountain, came it at a nine, also considered a very high risk.
An air quality advisory is still in effect for all of Metro Vancouver thanks to the elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the air, stemming from the wildfire smoke that’s blanketing British Columbia.
Health Canada’s air quality health information says that those at risk – those with heart or lung problems or diabetes – should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and older adults should take it easy.
Those in the general population should also consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if they’re experiencing symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.
Anyone suffering physical symptoms should follow the advice of their health-care provider.
Seeking indoor, air-conditioned spaces is the best solution for anyone suffering effects from the air.
