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Air quality statement issued for Comox Valley

Scott Strasser
7982090_web1_sunrise-aug-1

Scott Strasser

Record staff

As smoke from the wildfires in the British Columbia interior makes its way into Vancouver Island, local health authorities are reminding people to be careful and use common sense if they’re outdoors.

Due to the poor air quality, the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy issued a special air quality statement for the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Nanaimo/Parksville and Duncan on Thursday.

Charmaine Enns, North Island Medical Health Officer, says the the smoke will most strongly affect those who have underlying heart or lung diseases. She said sustained exposure to the smoke will also impact those who are at extreme ends of the age spectrum — the very young and the elderly.

“There are some members of the population that are more at risk than others,” Enns said. “If you are one of those groups of people who are more at risk, you’re best off just staying indoors. That will reduce your exposure to the smoke but also help keep you cooler in this heat.

For those who have to work or be outdoors for extended periods, Enns recommends staying hydrated and taking breaks.

“If you have to do activities outside, just use common sense and moderate your activity. You might even need to stop or reduce it over these next days of decreased air quality,” she said.

The smoke’s arrival has coincided with a prolonged heat wave on Vancouver Island, with interior parts of the island reaching the mid-30s in temperature. Despite the smoke blocking some sunlight, daytime temperature records for Aug. 2 were smashed in Port Alberni, Port Hardy, the Malahat and Tofino.

Enns said the hot weather can compound health issues caused by the smoke.

“The heat already has health impacts on the same populations that are going to be negatively impacted by poor air quality. It’s like a double hit for the young, the old and people with underlying health problems,” she said. “While all of us will have to deal with the heat, that same population I just listed is also more likely to have difficulty managing their body temperature and staying hydrated. They’re already dealing with that and now we have this worsening air quality.”

According to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, higher pollution levels are expected to persist into Friday. Residents can stay informed of air quality and the air quality health index for their area by visiting bit.ly/2t1Osnh