Warning for those with chronic health conditions, elderly and infants
There's a dust advisory in place for Kelowna.
The Ministry of Environment and Interior Health says the reason is high concentrations of coarse particulates – which could persist until there's a change in current weather conditions.
Persons with chronic underlying medical conditions should postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted.
Health officials say the dust in the air is a concern especally for infants, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Tips to reduce your personal health risk
• Avoid roads with heavy vehicle traffic.
• Continue to control medical conditions such as asthma, chronic respiratory disease and heart failure. If symptoms continue to be bothersome, seek medical attention.
• Maintaining good overall health is a good way to reduce health risks resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution. Additional tips for persons with chronic underlying medical conditions
• Stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed and reduce indoor sources of pollution such as smoking, vacuuming and use of wood stoves.
• Run an air cleaner. Some room air cleaners – such as HEPA filters – can help reduce indoor particulate levels, provided they are the right size for your home and filters are changed regularly.
• Take shelter in air-conditioned buildings that have large indoor volumes and limited entry of outdoor air.
