Rare road dust advisory issued for Terrace, B.C.

Sunday, February 22, 2015, 7:21 PM - The Ministry of Environment, in conjunction with Environment Canada, has issued a road dust advisory for the City of Terrace because of high concentrations of dust in the area.

Residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and to stay indoors with windows and doors closed until the advisory is lifted. 

For those experiencing symptoms such as continuing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, cough or wheeze, follow the advice of your health care provider, particularly if you are elderly, have asthma, hay fever, breathing or lung conditions or if you react strongly to road dust. 

Tips to reduce your personal health risk:

• Avoid roads with heavy vehicle traffic. 
• If you stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed and reduce indoor sources of pollution, such as smoking, vacuuming and use of wood stoves.
• Continue to control medical conditions such as asthma, hay fever and chronic respiratory disease. If symptoms continue to be bothersome, seek medical attention. 
• Maintaining good overall health is a good way to prevent health effects resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.

Voluntary Emission Reduction Actions Terrace: 

• Avoid the use of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces unless used as the sole source of residential heat.
• Where wood-stoves or fireplaces are the sole source of residential heat, use only CSA/EPA emissions approved wood-burning appliances and well-cured wood, and ensure an adequate supply of combustion air.
• Reduce the use and idling of vehicles. 

Additional Information:

• This advisory has been triggered by high concentrations of road dust, measured as coarse particles, PM10, which have diameters 10 micrometres or smaller.
• Visit www.bcairquality.ca for more information.