B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Environment Canada has been advising people to check the Air Quality Health Index as wildfire smoke blanketed large swaths of Canada in recent days. Even without wildfires, the index can be a useful tool to monitor air pollution in your community on any given day.
Environment Canada's air quality index is at https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/index--e.html. You can take a look at the ratings in communities across your province or territory.
A rating of 1-3 is low risk, 4-6 is moderate risk, 7-10 is high risk and over 10 is very high risk.
The risk designations can change regularly in the same community, Environment Canada says, so it's important to keep checking the air quality forecast.
Environment Canada, in consultation with Health Canada, has different recommendations for people especially at risk of suffering health problems when exposed to poor air quality versus the general population.
"At risk" people include those with respiratory issues such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, as well those with as heart disease. Infants, young children, pregnant people and elderly people are also considered at higher risk.
Here's how to interpret the Air Quality Health Index guidance:
"Low risk" means everyone can safely be outdoors.
"Moderate risk" means the general population don't need to change their usual outdoor activities unless they have symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation. But people at risk should "consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors."
"High risk" means those at risk should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors. Children and seniors should "take it easy." The general population should consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities if they start coughing or their throats become irritated.
"Very high risk" means everyone should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities. People at risk should avoid outdoor activities altogether.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2023.
Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
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An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
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Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
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