Environment Canada warns Williams Lake of poor air quality due to ‘stagnant winter weather conditions’

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — Environment Canada and Northern Health have issued a dust advisory for Williams Lake.

In an online weather statement Tuesday (March 21), Environment Canada says it’s due to what it calls high concentrations of coarse particulate matter that are expected to linger until there’s precipitation, dust suppression, or a change in traffic patterns.

The weather agency says dust levels tend to be the highest around busy roads and industrial operations.

Exposure is particularly a concern for individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, and diabetes, and respiratory infections such as COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as continuing eye or throat irritation, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing should follow the advice of their health care provider. Environment Canada says staying indoors helps reduce particulate matter exposure.