Well Lorne- I am not an expert in air polution as I grew up in the sunny Rocky Mountains, and as published by BC's own experts- THE AIR QUALITY HERE SUCKS!
http://www.cowichannewsleader.com/news/144943875.html?mobile=true
Hasselback said that while the short term affects of smoke exposure are the most studied, he has concerns about long-term affects as well. "Chronic exposure probably-may be more disconcerting than the annual high level exposure," he said.
Either way, Cowichan currently exceeds provincial air quality objectives for both daily maximums and annual averages.
"It's starting to show there are some issues and it's time to start thinking about what you need to do," he said. "The better the air quality the fewer the health problems and anything you can do to improve the air quality is a benefit both in the short term and the long term. Any incremental steps you can take at any point in time should be undertaken."