Smoke causing air quality to worsen in Vernon area

Just ahead of the long weekend, the North Okanagan has some of the worst air quality in British Columbia due to smoke from wildfires in the region.

The B.C. government’s air quality health index listed the Vernon area as 8 — or high — as of 10 a.m. Friday, as more smoke moved into the area from fires to the north, including in the Shuswap and Kamloops areas.

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Environment Canada issued an air quality statement, saying the impacted regions are likely to see the effects over the next 24-48 hours.

Vernon Matters is not aware at this point of the smoke impacting events scheduled for this weekend, but that is a definite possibility.

Interior Health says wildfire smoke can be harmful to people’s health even at low concentrations, and they encourage everyone to take action to reduce their exposure to the smoke.

Monitor your symptoms

• People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.

• Exposure to wildfire smoke and the virus that causes COVID-19 can both result in respiratory symptoms such as a dry cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing. Use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to help determine whether you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.

• If you are unsure whether you need medical care, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.

• If you are experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a severe cough, contact your health care provider, walk-in clinic, or emergency department. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Tips to reduce your smoke exposure

• Smoke levels may be lower indoors but will still be elevated, so stay aware of your symptoms even when you are indoors.

• Running a commercially available HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter can improve indoor air quality in the room where the device is located.

• If you have a forced air heating/cooling system in your home, it may help to change the filter and set the fan to run continuously.

• Reduce indoor air pollution sources such as smoking, burning incense, and frying foods.

• If travelling in a car with air conditioning, keep the windows up and the ventilation set to recirculate.

• If you are very sensitive to smoke, consider moving to another location with cleaner air, but be aware that conditions can change rapidly.

• Maintaining good overall health is a good way to prevent health effects resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.