Air Quality

We provide assistance to ensure the air you breathe is safe. Contact your regional Environmental Public Health office for assistance and information on how to respond to air quality issues.

Pay attention to the air quality in your area and monitor your symptoms regularly:

• Air Quality Health Index: Current and predicted, and health messages for the at risk and general population. If you live somewhere without an Air Quality Health Index, please refer to the following Canada PM2.5 map to view a combination of regulatory and low-cost monitor measurements of PM2.5.
• B.C. Air Quality: Current air quality advisories, levels of measured parameters and smoke predictions.
• Forest Fire Air Quality: For more information about forest fires and your health, visit our Emergency Preparedness webpage.

Interior Health Air Quality & Heat infographic - SFU  

There are a number of things you can do to help improve air quality:

• Avoid idling for more than 10 seconds. Keep your vehicle tuned and running efficiently.
• Drive less. Try taking the bus, carpool, walk or cycle.
• When buying a new car, choose a fuel-efficient one (e.g. a hybrid). Choose a smaller car, if possible.
• Avoid using gas-powered tools, such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers and trimmers. Use push mowers, electric mowers and even modern gas powered models, if possible.
• If you heat using a woodstove, use the latest emission reduction technologies. Always use dry seasoned wood, cut it into small pieces and keep your stove and chimney clean and in good working order. Upgrade your woodstove to an efficient, low emissions model.
• Avoid burning prunings and garden waste – compost them instead
• If you must burn, wait for a good venting Index (close to 100)
• Plant a tree
• If you think you may be affected by poor air quality, contact your physician for advice