After Vancouver topped the list of the world’s major cities with the worst air quality on Wednesday, haze continues to blanket the city.
Yesterday’s air quality reading exceeded 180 on its air quality index (AQI), according to IQAir’s reading, surpassing Lahore, Pakistan; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
However, Thursday’s AQI is much lower at 65, which is considered a “moderate” reading.
Air IQ
The Swiss air quality technology company bases its AQI on six major pollutant readings, including PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ground-level ozone.
“An AQI number is assigned based on the air pollutant with the highest AQI number at the moment the air quality is measured,” stated IQ Air on its website.
“The air quality index ranges from 0 to 500, though air quality can be indexed beyond 500 when there are higher levels of hazardous air pollution. Good air quality ranges from 0 to 50, while measurements over 300 are considered hazardous.”
Despite Thursday’s lower AQI rating, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC) special air quality statement remains in effect for the Metro Vancouver region.
It notes that the cause of current conditions is due to wildfire smoke from fires burning just east of Hope, near Whistler, and a large complex of fires in the Cariboo region, as well as those in the U.S.
“This warning is expected to last for a few days or until there is a change in weather,” stated ECCC.
The agency’s air quality health index for Metro Vancouver on Thursday afternoon states there is “moderate risk” across the region, but a high risk for smoke.
Smoke increases health risks, and ECCC is reminding residents to consider limiting their time outdoors.
“People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with an existing illness or chronic health condition, and people who work outdoors, should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms,” stated ECCC.
“When indoors, keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. When there is an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool.”
ECCC is projecting that the region will be smoky at least until Friday, Sept. 5.
However, you’ll want to keep an umbrella close by as showers may return as early as Saturday, Sept. 6, during the evening.
With files from Bhagyashree Chaterjee and Daniel Chai