When you look at an object in the distance against a background of sky, how does it appear? Is it hazy and washed out? or does the object look vivid in colour and clarity?
Visibility is a measure of how the air “looks”. It refers to the maximum distance that an object can be seen against the sky and the perceived “clearness” of the object from a given distance.
In Metro Vancouver and the Lower Fraser Valley, we are monitoring visibility through a series of live camera feeds. Click on your community to view current visibility conditions.
Abbotsford Burnaby Chilliwack Pitt Meadows Vancouver Harbour
Poor visibility occurs when sunlight mingles with microscopic particles in the air. These particles absorb or scatter sunlight making objects and scenery appear less vivid. The more pollutants in the air, the more visibility can be obscured. Weather conditions such as temperature, wind speed, and humidity can also affect visibility.
Air pollutants come from a variety of sources including dust, soot from fires, automobiles, ships, industrial and manufacturing activities. Some haze-causing particles are directly emitted to the air. Downwind from their emission sources, gases can also react together to form microscopic particles.
Learn more about Air Emissions and Emission Reduction programs in the Lower Fraser Valley.
The air we breathe affects us no matter who we are or where we live. Even though you can’t always see it or smell it, air pollution can affect our health in a variety of ways. However, poor visibility may be a sign that air pollution has increased. Air pollution can have a negative effect on your respiratory system (lungs and airways), and on your cardiovascular system (heart function and blood circulation). While air pollution affects individuals in different ways, groups who are especially sensitive or at-risk include children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing cardiac or respiratory diseases.
Learn more about the affects of air quality on your health.
Many of us use visibility as a marker for air quality conditions and a way to judge how we will enjoy our outdoor environments. For many, visual pollution signals that the air quality may be unhealthy, particularly for people with existing respiratory problems.
Learn more about the benefits of good visibility and what actions to take to improve the air quality.
Air pollution and climate change are linked. Microscopic particles and smog-forming pollutants are often emitted from the same sources as greenhouse gases. However, it is not yet clear whether improving air quality will enhance or slow climate change. Some microscopic particles may absorb sunlight and enhance warming, while others may reflect sunlight and result in a cooling environment.
Learn more about what the Province of BC is doing to address climate change and global warming.