Air Quality

We provide assistance to ensure the air you breathe is safe. Contact your regional Environmental Public Health & Licensing 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.

Indoor and outdoor air quality

Environmental health officers can help you find information about indoor and outdoor air quality.

Indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality may be a symptom of another problem such as mould caused by water intrusion or poor ventilation within a home. Our office does not test for specific airborne contaminants.

Air quality issues related to places of employment are addressed by WorksafeBC.

Radon gas

Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is a naturally occurring gas found in the ground throughout the world. Most homes that are in contact with the ground will contain some amount of radon gas.

Outdoor air quality

Outdoor air quality issues are regulated by the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the BC Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health makes recommendations on standards, objectives and regulations on outdoor air quality affecting human health. The Ministry of Environment monitors air pollution through approval processes, permits, regulation, guidelines and codes of practice.

Your role in improving air quality

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.

Resources

HealthLinkBC files:

2 Minute Read

Community & Culture

Repatriation brings out the best in IH staff & residents

Returning people to long-term care homes is a complex process. Read some of the stories of those who returned home, & staff who helped get them there safely.

/stories/repatriation-brings-out-best-ih-staff-residents

3 Minute Read

Community & Culture

We Are IH: Security officer’s experiences inspire deep connection

Resilience, tenacity, hard work, and courage are what drove Sheneile Black to turn her hardships into success.

/stories/we-are-ih-security-officers-experiences-inspire-deep-connection

4 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

Peer groups offer support for families affected by substance use

Learn how Holding Hope support groups provide a safe space for caregivers supporting loved ones affected by substance use.

/stories/peer-groups-offer-support-families-affected-substance-use

4 Minute Read

Community & Culture

A mission in the fire zone: Evacuating The Pavilion care home

On July 25, IH started an evacuation of The Pavilion care home in New Denver. Read an account of the evacuation & learn how IH responds in wildfire emergencies.

/stories/mission-fire-zone-evacuating-pavilion-care-home