Sea to Sky air quality concerns continue

VCH release: July 8, 2015:

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is urging Sea to Sky residents to take precautions due to poor air quality resulting from local wildfires. Air quality in Whistler and Pemberton slightly improved overnight but the air quality in Squamish is now worse. Air quality is considered poor throughout the region and the Ministry of Environment wildfire smoke advisory for the Sea to Sky Corridor is still in effect. 

VCH Public Health staff are working with municipal governments, Metro Vancouver and the Ministry of the Environment and continuing to monitor air quality.

Approximately a dozen people have been treated at health care facilities in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton for mild respiratory symptoms, such as a sore throat and shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, or a sudden cough or irritated airways, should contact their health care provider. 

Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease.

Tips for the public:


Masks are not recommended as they do not ease respiratory symptoms. 

VCH is responsible for the delivery of $3.4 billion in community, hospital and residential care to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

July 8, 2015

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