The Ministry of Environment in collaboration with Northern Health has issued an air quality advisory for Houston, Vanderhoof, and Valemount because of high concentrations of fine particulate matter that are expected to persist until Thursday. This advisory is in effect until further notice.
Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted. Staying indoors and in air conditioned spaces helps to reduce fine particulate exposure. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease. Restrictions on the use of woodstoves are now in effect for the District of Houston.
Real-time air quality observations and information regarding the health effects of air pollution can be found at www.bcairquality.ca.