Breadcrumb
Air Quality
Learn how to check the air quality in your area. Discover our role in ensuring the air you breathe is safe and find out the role you can play.
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.
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


Sahra joined IH just two months after graduating from Okanagan College, and has served in many roles with IH that led her to where she is today.
/stories/we-are-ih-recruitment-advisor-finds-purpose-growing-careers


Interior Health has non-judgmental drug checking services throughout the Interior region. Samples as small as a grain of rice can be tested.
/stories/stop-guessing-drug-checking-saves-lives


Lillooet Hospital holds a special place in Jessica McLellan's heart. A 3rd-generation resident of Lillooet, she has served as LDHF's chair since 2018.
/stories/foundation-spotlight-series-lillooet-district-hospital-foundation


Righting wrongs gives Sharon a sense of purpose at work. There is no typical day in labour relations which makes the job exciting and a great fit for her.
/stories/we-are-ih-labour-relations-specialist-strengthens-relationships


Many of us embrace our 50s and 60s as an opportunity for adventure. Even if you’re feeling healthy now, it’s a good idea to plan your future health decisions.
/stories/six-ways-plan-age-related-health-decisions


Like many expectant moms, Emily Canzian attended prenatal classes and did a lot of preparing for her son Luca’s birth.
/stories/new-moms-journey-through-first-days-breastfeeding
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