Air Pollution In Canada: Is The Country's Air Safe?

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Canada, with a significant impact on the environment, economy, and public health. While Canada enjoys relatively good outdoor air quality compared to other countries, certain areas, particularly heavily populated and industrialised regions, face harmful levels of air pollution. Transportation, industry, and domestic activities are key sources of air pollution, and natural factors, such as forest fires, also play a role. The Canadian government and various organisations are implementing measures to mitigate air pollution and protect citizens' health and the environment.

Air pollution sources in Canada

Canada enjoys a good level of outdoor air quality, with emissions of air pollutants that cause smog and acid rain decreasing significantly over the past few decades. However, air pollution remains a serious issue in some areas of the country, particularly in heavily populated and industrialised regions, where Canadians may be exposed to harmful levels of outdoor air pollutants.

Sources of Air Pollution in Canada

Industry

The oil and gas industry is a significant contributor to air pollution in Canada, particularly in Alberta and Saskatchewan. In 2022, the oil and gas industry, electric utilities, and ore and mineral industries were the largest sources of sulphur oxide emissions, which can cause respiratory issues and damage vegetation, buildings, and materials. The oil and gas industry was also the largest source of nitrogen oxide emissions, which contribute to acid rain and the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter.

Transportation

Transportation is another major source of air pollution in Canada, responsible for more than a quarter of all greenhouse gases and air pollutants in the country. This includes road, rail, air, and marine transport, as well as off-road vehicles and mobile equipment. The introduction of cleaner technology and fuels has helped reduce emissions from this sector.

Domestic Activities

Domestic activities such as heating, cooking, and wood-burning also contribute to air pollution in Canada. Home firewood burning was a major source of carbon monoxide emissions in 2022, and it contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a significant source of ammonia emissions, which can be poisonous if inhaled in large quantities and contribute to the formation of secondary fine particulate matter. In 2022, agriculture, particularly livestock, crop production, and fertiliser use, accounted for more than 94% of total national ammonia emissions.

Natural Sources

While human activities are the primary source of air pollution in Canada, natural sources such as conifer forests, forest fires, soil erosion, volcanoes, dust storms, and sea spray also contribute to air pollution.

Strategies to Reduce Air Pollution

To address air pollution, the Canadian government has implemented various strategies, including the Clean Air Agenda and the Air Quality Management System. Additionally, the federal government requires many industrial sources of pollution to prepare pollution prevention plans and adopt cleaner technologies. Individual Canadians can also take action by making environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives, such as selecting more sustainable means of transportation and reducing energy consumption.

Air pollution control in Canada

Canada's air quality is generally good compared to other countries, but air pollution remains a serious issue in some areas. The Government of Canada is taking action to reduce overall levels of air pollution, with a particular focus on short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) such as black carbon, methane, ground-level ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons.

Air Pollution Control Strategies

• Canada has implemented a range of air pollution regulations, including the Air Quality Management System (AQMS), to reduce emissions of SLCPs across key sectors.
• The government has set national emission caps for pollutants associated with smog and acid rain, such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.
• There are also limits on other air pollutants, such as mercury from fuel-based electricity generation and benzene from the natural gas and steel industries.
• Businesses can participate in a Canadian emissions trading system and purchase credits if they do not meet their nitrogen oxides or sulphur oxides reduction targets.
• Federal and provincial regulations prohibit the release of HFCs from refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
• Canada has also taken action to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, including cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes, which are a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Regulations have been put in place for sulphur in gasoline and diesel fuel, and performance standards for coal-fired electricity have been established to transition to lower- or non-emitting sources.
• Canada is working towards reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, which is the largest source of methane and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in the country.
• To improve indoor air quality, which is a top risk to public health, Canadians are encouraged to use products that contain little to no VOCs or other contaminants.
• Strategies to control air pollution also include burning less or cleaner fuel, more efficient burning of fuel, better vehicle fuel economy, and improved maintenance of pollution control devices.
• Regional land-use planning, increased mass transit, and the development of pollutant-resistant strains of vegetation are also part of Canada's air pollution control efforts.

Air Quality Monitoring and Standards

• The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) sets standards for air quality in Canada.
• The CCME has established Canada-Wide Standards (CWS) for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone.
• Provinces and territories monitor air pollutants in their jurisdictions and report to their constituents about air quality and actions taken to improve it.
• The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is used to communicate real-time air pollution data to the public.
• Ambient levels of pollutants are determined through satellite measurements, ground measurements, and air quality computer models.
• Maps are created to show air pollution levels and the distribution of the population to estimate the exposure of Canadians to air pollution.

Challenges and Future Directions

• While emissions of many air pollutants have declined in recent years, air pollution remains a concern, especially in heavily populated and industrialized areas.
• Transportation, industrial processes, and the production of oil and gas are significant sources of air pollution in Canada.
• The growth of Canada's population and economy increases the demand for energy, often from fossil fuels, which affects air quality.
• The government aims to encourage businesses to invest in green technologies and reduce emissions through a Canadian emissions trading system.
• There is a recognition that control and policy actions for one type of air pollution issue may worsen another, so a holistic approach is necessary.
• Canada is committed to addressing climate change and improving air quality, with a target of achieving 90% non-emitting electricity by 2030.

Health effects of air pollution in Canada

Air pollution in Canada has a range of adverse health effects on its population. Scientific research has shown that air pollution leads to disease, increased hospitalisations, and premature death. Even at low levels, air pollution can affect human health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that air pollution is the biggest environmental risk to human health. In Canada, air pollution is linked to an estimated 15,300 premature deaths every year. This figure is equivalent to 42 premature deaths per 100,000 Canadians. The total economic valuation of the health impacts attributable to air pollution in Canada is $120 billion per year.

The young, the elderly, those with acute illnesses, and those living near cities are at greater risk of health issues caused by air pollution. Exposure to nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx) can irritate the lungs, reduce lung function, and increase susceptibility to allergens in people with asthma. Both NOx and SOx are also precursors of particulate matter PM2.5 and contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone (O3) are the main components of smog and have been associated with eye, nose, and throat irritations, shortness of breath, exacerbation of respiratory conditions and allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Children under the age of 14 years, senior citizens, people with pre-existing respiratory problems, and those living near cities are more vulnerable to these effects than others.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is the product of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon-based fuels. It can have a significant impact on human health by entering the bloodstream and inhibiting the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to organs and tissues. It is particularly harmful to those with heart disease and respiratory conditions. It can also affect healthy people by impairing exercise capacity, visual perception, manual dexterity, learning functions, and the ability to perform complex tasks.

Ammonia (NH3) is a colourless gas, mostly generated from livestock waste management and fertiliser production. It is poisonous if inhaled in large quantities and irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat in lesser amounts. It has a very strong, distinctive smell, so it is relatively easy to be aware of. Ammonia can contribute to the nitrification and eutrophication of aquatic systems.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) can cause or accelerate corrosion and spoiling of certain materials and contribute significantly to acid rain. Acid rain damages soils and water bodies and is a stressor for plant and animal species. The interactions between acid rain, ultraviolet rays, and climate change can amplify its effects.

Smog is a yellowish haze, originating from a mixture of air pollutants that limits visibility in the atmosphere. It is mainly made up of fine particles and ground-level ozone.

Air pollution in Canada's major cities

While Canadians enjoy a good level of outdoor air quality, air pollution remains a serious issue in some of the country's major cities. Transportation is one of the main sources of air pollution in Canada, with cars, trucks, trains, and aeroplanes contributing to more than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions in the country. Additionally, the burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation and transportation, as well as residential wood burning, are significant contributors to air pollution in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax.

In recent years, there has been a decrease in emissions of air pollutants that cause smog and acid rain. These reductions have positively impacted the air quality in cities such as Ontario and Quebec. However, air pollution continues to be a concern for the Government of Canada, especially in heavily populated and industrialised areas. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) has set Canada-wide standards to regulate air pollution and protect human health and the environment.

The effects of air pollution on human health are significant. Even at low levels, air pollution can affect human health and lead to diseases, increased hospitalisations, and premature death. Fine particulate matter, ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide are some of the major components of smog, which can have adverse effects on Canadians, especially children, the elderly, and those with heart and lung conditions.

To address air pollution, the Government of Canada has implemented various strategies, including burning cleaner fuels, improving vehicle fuel economy, and installing and maintaining pollution control devices. Additionally, provinces and territories have defined smaller geographic areas called "air zones" to better manage air quality at the local level.

Overall, while Canada has made progress in reducing air pollution, it remains a pressing issue in major cities, and continued efforts are necessary to protect public health and the environment.

Canada's air quality compared to other countries

Canada's air quality is considered to be good when compared to other countries. According to a recent study, Canada ranks first and fourth out of 33 high-income OECD countries on two key air quality measures. Canada's air quality is consistently ranked among the cleanest in the world by the World Health Organization. However, it is important to note that almost one-third of Canadians live in areas where the air quality does not meet the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards.

The Government of Canada has implemented measures to reduce air pollution and maintain air quality. These measures include reducing air pollution from vehicles, power plants, and other industries, as well as consumer and commercial products. The government is also encouraging businesses to invest in green technologies and has introduced regulations that will require all new vehicles sold by 2035 to be zero-emissions.

When compared to other countries, Canada has lower levels of air pollution. This is due in part to the country's vast land mass and small population. However, it is important to note that transportation and industrial processes are still major sources of air pollution in Canada. Natural sources of air pollution, such as forest fires and volcanoes, also contribute to air quality issues.

The effects of air pollution on health are well-documented in Canada. Long-term exposure to air pollution is a major cause of death and disease, with outdoor air pollution causing approximately 4.2 million premature deaths per year worldwide. In Canada, air pollution is linked to approximately 14,600 premature deaths each year. Exposure to air pollutants can irritate the lungs, impair lung function, and increase susceptibility to allergens in people with asthma. Fine particles and ground-level ozone, the main components of smog, are associated with irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as respiratory problems and allergies.

In summary, Canada's air quality is considered to be good when compared to other countries, but there are still areas for improvement. The Government of Canada has implemented measures to reduce air pollution and maintain air quality, and there is a continued focus on reducing emissions and improving air quality in the future.

Frequently asked questions