Image: Supplied by Drive B.C. / Drive B.C. camera at Evans Road overpass overlooking Highway 1 shows hazy skies in Chilliwack Wednesday (Jul. 27) afternoon. An Air Quality Advisory has been extended for Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley through the end of the week, according to Metro Vancouver.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Air quality

Fraser Valley air pollution alert to last all week

Jul 27, 2022 | 2:37 PM

CHILLIWACK — Not only is it an unpleasant time to be outside during this week’s summer heat wave, but so is the air quality.

Metro Vancouver Regional District has extended its Air Quality Advisory for eastern sections of Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, including Chilliwack, because of high concentrations of ground-level ozone that are expected to linger throughout the week, according to a statement released by the regional government today (Jul. 27 ).

Hot and sunny conditions are forecast to continue through the weekend. Wildfire smoke from the ongoing Nohomin Creek fire near Lytton, estimated at 2,364 hectares as of today (Jul. 27), may occasionally be contributing to hazy conditions across the region. However, there has been no significant impact on measured fine particulate matter concentrations at ground-level.

Metro Vancouver says ground-level ozone is created when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in the air in the presence of sunlight. Ground-level ozone is not emitted directly into the air. 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.

Metro Vancouver urges people to avoid 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, including bronchitis and emphysema, as well as asthma, and/or diabetes; individuals with respiratory infections; pregnant women and infants; children; older adults; and outdoor workers. Individuals who are socially marginalized may also be at elevated risk, including people who are experiencing homelessness or are underhoused.

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If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, seek prompt medical attention. Call 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.

Metro Vancouver works in cooperation with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fraser Valley Regional District and the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to look after air quality.