Salmon Arm residents wake up to ‘unhealthy’ air quality

Salmon Arm residents wake up to ‘unhealthy’ air quality Published 8:34 am Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Local air quality measurements confirmed what could be seen in the air around Salmon Arm Wednesday morning. As of 8 a.m. on July 15, local, publicly owned...

Salmon Arm residents wake up to ‘unhealthy’ air quality Published 8:34 am Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Local air quality measurements confirmed what could be seen in the air around Salmon Arm Wednesday morning. As of 8 a.m. on July 15, local, publicly owned air monitors showed air quality index readings between 183 and 211. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, these measurements of particulate matter 2.5 microns (PM2.5) or less in diameter – including dust, soot, smoke and liquid droplets – fall in the upper range of “unhealthy” (150-200) to very unhealthy (201-300).

The WHO warns PM2.5 particles can “penetrate through the lungs and further enter the body through the blood stream, affecting all major organs,” and that exposure to PM2.5 “can cause diseases both to our cardiovascular and respiratory system, provoking, for example stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” With an unhealthy reading, some members of the public may experience health effects within 24 hours of exposure. The risk increases for members of more vulnerable groups.

The City of Salmon Arm is in the process of acquiring a PurpleAir monitor which provides real-time air quality index measurements. Environment Canada’s forecast morning forecast for July 15 included a high of 32 C with a mix of sun, cloud and local smoke.