The smog advisory for Sea to Sky Corridor has been lifted but Environment Canada says it's closely watching the situation.
"The situation can change rapidly. It's very unpredictable as there is a lot of fire activity going on in the region," Julie Saxton, air quality meteorologist for Lower Mainland said Wednesday (Aug. 5).
Early last week had seen the quality of the air diminish because of high smog and smoke concentrations in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
The air quality warning issued Thursday July 30, and was the only advisory in the Sea to Sky to be issued this season. It warned Howe Sound area residents to "avoid strenuous outdoor activities." By Monday (Aug. 3) it was cancelled.
Sexton said residents can reduce exposure to unhealthy exposures by following some simple steps. These include avoiding roads with heavy traffic, reducing the indoor sources of pollution like smoking and vacuuming and installing room cleaners that can help reduce smoke at home.
People who may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke include young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with existing heart or lung conditions.
Representatives for the Hilltop House elderly care facility would not comment on the health of their residents.
However Trudi Beutel, a spokesperson for the Vancouver Coastal Health, said there has been no increase in the number of people coming to Squamish General Hospital with breathing problems because of the smog
"Things have been pretty normal," she said.
However, she advised the residents of Squamish to avoid a heavy exercise or any other strenuous activity, especially people who have a history of breathing problems like asthmatic patients and those with heart problems.
She said the home support workers in the region have been put on special alert. She also urged the people to look out for those who might be vulnerable, like the seniors.
"Keep a close eye on seniors, and people around you, your family, neighbours."
Beutel also recommended that people should keep themselves hydrated and stay away from caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and other sugary drinks.
Regular updates on risks to breathing are available on the air quality website, www.bcairquality.ca.
