Poor air quality can result from scenarios such as wildfires and smog. It can be harmful to our health, particularly for more vulnerable populations, including children, older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease diabetes).
Reduce your exposure to protect yourself
During periods of poor air quality, protect yourself with these tips:
- Minimize the amount of time spent outdoors and reduce or avoid outdoor physical activity.
- Stay inside and keep your indoor air clean by closing windows, doors and air intakes (from furnaces, fireplaces or stoves), and circulating air through air filters or a forced air system.
- Spend time in spaces with cooler, filtered air such as malls, libraries, and community centres.
- Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
- Have a sufficient supply of your prescription medication for respiratory conditions such as asthma.
- Monitor your symptoms and seek medical care for symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, severe coughing or wheezing, and dizziness.
- Check on family, friends and neighbours often and call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
Build your own air cleaner
Learn how to build your own air cleaner to improve your indoor air quality:
Visit the BC Lung Foundation’s DIY Air Cleaners web page for more information.
Monitor air quality
Air quality advisories are issued when pollutant concentrations approach or exceed predetermined limits, or when degraded air quality episodes are expected to continue or worsen.
Monitor the air quality nearest your location and learn about the latest air quality advisories and updates through Metro Vancouver or the BC government. You may also subscribe to receive air quality advisories through these sites.
