Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued an air quality warning for Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley due to smoke from wildfires spreading across the region. The fires, including those near Hope, Whistler, and the Cariboo region, along with U.S. wildfires, are contributing to the deteriorating air quality.
As the smoke levels rise, health risks escalate. ECCC advises the public to limit time spent outdoors and consider minimizing outdoor activities to safeguard health. Symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and coughing may occur. More severe symptoms like wheezing and chest pains could also manifest. Vulnerable groups like pregnant individuals, children, and seniors are at higher risk.
To mitigate exposure, ECCC recommends wearing a well-fitted NIOSH-certified N95 mask when outdoors, as it can help reduce inhalation of harmful smoke particles. However, health risks may persist despite mask usage.
The warning is anticipated to persist for a few days or until weather conditions shift. Currently, British Columbia is grappling with 154 active wildfires, with 10 new fires igniting within the past 24 hours.