<div class="ExternalClassC2EB0442F5114ABFB6968153C09C85D4"><p>During cooler months, calm and stable weather conditions can trap air pollutants close to the ground. For example, air quality may become poor when an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inversion_(meteorology)" target="_blank">inversion</a> prevents the dispersion of pollutants from neighbourhood emission sources like residential woodstoves and fireplaces, backyard burning and other open burning activities. Wood smoke contains chemicals and microscopic particles that can cause or aggravate <a href="/services/Permits-regulations-enforcement/air-quality/factors/residential-wood-smoke/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"> health problems</a>. </p><p>This winter, Metro Vancouver is piloting a new air quality bulletin system to let residents know when air quality may degrade within communities. Bulletins will identify which municipalities may be affected and provide advice about how to prevent the build-up of air pollutants when there is a concern, such as: </p><ul><li>Avoid lighting fires and using wood stoves or fireplaces unless they are a household’s main source of heat.</li><li>Minimize smoke emissions by: <ol><li>Burning only clean, seasoned wood</li><li>Building small, hot fires and avoiding smouldering</li><li>Getting chimneys inspected and swept regularly</li><li>Exchanging older wood-burning devices for cleaner-burning and more efficient models through <a href="/services/air-quality/engagement/Pages/wood-stove-exchange.aspx" target="_blank">Metro Vancouver’s Wood Stove Exchange Program</a></li></ol></li></ul><p>These air quality bulletins will be posted on metrovancouver.org, and our social media channels. Metro Vancouver is also working with our partners at the Ministry of Environment and the Fraser Valley Regional District to implement this approach throughout our shared airshed. The new bulletin system will supplement the existing air quality advisory service which is typically used during the summer months when smog or wildfire smoke can degrade air quality throughout large portions of our airshed.</p></div>

http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue15-winter-aq.jpg

2015-11-30T08:00:00Z

GP0|#100994a7-ccf5-41d6-898e-bf1437a726ba;L0|#0100994a7-ccf5-41d6-898e-bf1437a726ba|Issue 15;GTSet|#d14ffe11-45dc-48fb-8684-ff109cf15a74

<div class="ExternalClassA701EF491BD548A798884D7FA79E3A6B"><p>Metro Vancouver is piloting an initiative to add winter air quality bulletins to supplement our existing air quality advisory service which is typically used during the summer months. During our cooler weather months, calm and stable weather conditions can trap air pollutants close to the ground. </p></div>

Metro Vancouver Update