Metro Vancouver issued its 16th air quality advisory of the summer today as 30,000 students and 2,500 School District 43 teachers and support workers headed back to class.
Both Coquitlam RCMP and Port Moody Police reminded drivers to keep to posted speed limits especially around school zones.
Stated Port Moody Police in a humorous Tweet: “School! Please slow down in the school zones as kids get back to class. Also be mindful of wandering packs of joyous and dazed parents.”
Meanwhile, Metro Vancouver issued an air quality warning because of very high concentrations of fine particulate matter. People are encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities while smoke from interior and southern forest fires clogs up the atmosphere and ground-level ozone increases with sun and heat.
Exposure to ozone and fine particulate matter is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or asthma.
Those experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing are advised to follow the recommendations of their healthcare provider.
Smoke is expected to continue through to Wednesday, with a change in the weather anticipated for Thursday when clouds and evening showers are predicted.
