The B.C. Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Northern Health Authority, issued the first air quality advisory of the year this morning.
The agencies warn people with chronic, underlying medical conditions to postpone strenuous exercise until the advisory is lifted.
Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have diabetes, and lung or heart disease, said the agencies.
An upper high-pressure ridge moving over the region resulted in pollutants accumulating in the air shed.
Based on the air quality data, the high levels are mainly due to a combination of wood smoke, emissions from industry and road dust.
"It's not expected to last too long as winds are expected to increase as the ridge moves through the region," said B.C. Ministry of Environment air quality meteorologist Dennis Fudge.
This morning, levels of pollution exceeded provincial air quality objectives downtown and in College Heights for fine particulates 2.5 microns (1/20 the width of a human hair) and smaller, commonly called PM2.5. Levels of pollution for fine particulates 10 microns and smaller, known as PM10, also exceeded provincial objectives downtown and at the BCR industrial site.
During the advisory, City of Prince George bylaws prohibit open burning and bans the use of wood-burning appliances except where they are the sole source of heat.
Industry is also asked to reduce emission wherever possible, said the agencies.
Prince George normally experience several air quality advisories each year.
