Canadian Cities Choking On Poor Air Quality

While Canada is far down on the World Health Organization's list of countries with the worst air quality, there are still many Canadian cities that suffer from poor air quality. Sources of air pollution in Canada include transportation, off-road vehicles, mobile equipment, power generation, industrial processes, and certain products such as paints and solvents. In addition, climate change is contributing to declining air quality through increased pollution, poor air quality during heatwaves, and wildfire smoke. Wildfires have been shown to directly and indirectly impact the health of Canadians, and smoke can travel far beyond fire-prone areas.

Canadian cities with the worst air quality

Although Canada is far down on the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of countries with the worst air quality, many Canadian cities suffer from poor air quality. In 2021, Canada was experiencing "Good" quality air with a US Air Quality Index (AQI) figure of 32, which is in line with WHO recommendations. However, air pollution in Canada is on the rise, and it is estimated that the health effects of air pollution cost the Canadian economy $114 billion per year.

Several factors contribute to poor air quality in Canadian cities. Natural sources of air pollution include forest fires, which have been exacerbated by climate change, volcanoes, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from vegetation. Human activities that rely on the use of carbon-based or fossil fuels, such as transportation, industrial processes, and power generation, also play a significant role in air pollution.

• Toronto, the country's biggest city, has an average of 7 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter. In the summer, Ontario cities like Toronto often face high levels of smog, which can irritate the respiratory system and impact those with respiratory diseases.
• Montreal, situated along the St. Lawrence River, has an average of 7.1 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter. Montreal has some of the worst air quality in Canada due to the high number of wood-burning stoves in the city.
• Hamilton, located about an hour west of Toronto, has an average of 7.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter. In 2016, Hamilton had the highest rate of air pollution in the province of Ontario, mainly due to industry and car travel.
• Yellowknife has an average of 7.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meters, but the city has made significant improvements. In 2014, Yellowknife averaged 15.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter.
• Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan, has an air pollution level of 8.1 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter.
• The capital city of Quebec has an average of 8.2 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter. Individuals with heart or respiratory conditions, diabetes, the elderly, children, and pregnant women are at the greatest risk in this city.
• Windsor, located along the Detroit River, has an average of 8.3 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter. People with lung or heart disease should be cautious about physical activities on days with increased air pollution.
• Prince George, the largest city in northern British Columbia, has an AQI of 183, considered unhealthy. The PM2.5 concentration is 117.5 micrograms/cubic meter, which is 11 times the WHO exposure recommendation.
• Logan Lake, a small district in southern British Columbia, has an AQI of 167, also considered unhealthy. The PM2.5 concentration is 86 micrograms/cubic meter, eight times the WHO recommendation.

Health risks of poor air quality

Poor air quality poses a serious threat to human health, and it is a problem faced by many Canadian cities. While Canada is far down on the World Health Organization's list of worst offenders, many of its cities could still be at risk of causing health issues due to poor air quality. A 2020 census estimated Canada's population to be around 38 million, and 90% of Canadians spend most of their time indoors, where they are exposed to various pollutants.

The health risks of poor air quality are wide-ranging and affect people of all ages and backgrounds. However, some groups are more susceptible than others. These groups include children, whose lung development can be stunted by air pollution, leading to reduced lung function as adults. Pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung diseases are also more vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. People with low socioeconomic status may be more vulnerable due to proximity to industrial sources of pollution, underlying health problems, poor nutrition, and stress.

The health effects of air pollution include respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause eye, nose, and throat irritation. Short-term exposure to fine particles in the air can aggravate lung diseases, trigger asthma attacks, and cause acute bronchitis. Over time, breathing in fine particles increases the risk of developing chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer. Poor air quality has also been linked to cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks, abnormal heartbeats, and stroke.

In addition to the direct health impacts, poor air quality can also lead to economic costs. These include decreased productivity, increased healthcare needs, a decreased quality of life, and increased risk of premature death. The economic impact of health issues related to air pollution in Canada is estimated to be $114 billion per year.

It is important to note that the health risks of poor air quality are not limited to those living in areas with high pollution levels. Wildfire smoke can easily travel to areas that are not fire-prone, impacting the health of residents in those regions. Climate change is also contributing to declining air quality through increased pollution, spikes in poor air quality during extreme heat, and wildfire smoke. As a result, Canadians may face new allergens and higher levels of seasonal allergies.

Wildfires and air quality

While Canada is far down on the World Health Organization's list of worst offenders for air pollution, and was even ranked third in the world for the best air quality, many Canadian cities could still be at risk of health-related issues from poor air quality.

One of the main causes of poor air quality in Canada is wildfires. Wildfire smoke is a mixture of air pollutants, with particulate matter posing the principal threat to public health. While most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from wildfire smoke exposure, certain groups may be at greater risk of experiencing adverse health effects. These groups include people with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, children, the elderly, pregnant women, people of lower socioeconomic status, and outdoor workers.

In 2016, the Fort McMurray fires in Alberta caused $9 billion in losses. As a result, entire regions of western Saskatchewan experienced poor air quality measurements. Two years later, in 2018, British Columbia saw its worst fire season in history, with 1.3 million hectares of land burned. With the increase in wildfires caused by climate change, more Canadians are being exposed to the health impacts of poor air quality.

Other human sources of air pollution include activities that rely on the use of carbon-based or fossil fuels, such as transportation, industrial processes, and power generation. In 2016, the city of Hamilton in Ontario had the highest rate of air pollution in the province, mostly due to industry and car travel. The city of Montreal has also been identified as having some of the worst air quality in Canada due to the high number of wood-burning stoves, with 50,000 domestic wood-burning appliances in use. However, new rules will force homeowners to replace or stop using them.

Reducing air pollution

While Canada is far down on the World Health Organization's list of worst offenders for air pollution, many Canadian cities could still be at risk of causing health-related issues from poor air quality. Toronto, Montreal, Hamilton, Yellowknife, Regina, and the capital city of Quebec are some of the cities with the worst air quality in Canada.

To reduce air pollution, governments should focus on the obvious sources of air pollution and the quickest means of controlling air emissions. More sophisticated and comprehensive strategies can be developed over time. The goal for all control strategies is to achieve real and measurable air emission reductions.

• Use public transportation or carpool to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in cities.
• Choose greener vehicles, such as hybrids or all-electrics, when replacing your current vehicle.
• Businesses can take part in a Canadian emissions trading system and purchase credits if they do not meet their nitrogen oxides or sulphur oxides reduction targets.
• Limit backyard fires in the city as smoke from these fires can cause unhealthy conditions, especially for those with asthma and other lung conditions.
• Use hand-powered or electric lawn care equipment instead of gas-powered equipment, which often lacks pollution control devices.
• Conserve electricity and set air conditioners no lower than 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Combine errands and reduce trips in your car.
• Refuel your car in the evening when it is cooler.

Air quality monitoring

Techniques and Technologies for Air Quality Monitoring

• Federal Reference Methods (FRM) and Federal Equivalent Methods (FEM): These methods are approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and provide data on particulate matter (PM) concentrations. FRM/FEM collect PM at 24-hour intervals and require precise sampling handling procedures.
• Gravimetric Analysis: This technique involves measuring the weight of a filter before and after sample collection and then calculating the PM mass concentration. It provides data for two size bins: PM2.5 and PM10.
• Ionization Techniques: These methods, such as flame ionization detection (FID) or photoionization detection (PID), coupled with separation techniques like chromatography, can measure specific compound concentrations, such as BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene).
• Air Sensors: These sensors measure air pollutants in real-time and are low-cost, portable, and power-efficient. They can detect gaseous pollutants and particulate matter, although their accuracy may vary.
• Source Attribution: This technique identifies the sources and contributions of emissions sources to overall pollutant concentrations in a community, using methodologies like emission inventories, source-modelling, and receptor-modelling approaches.

Canadian Cities with Poor Air Quality

Several Canadian cities have been identified as having poor air quality, with PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO's recommended maximum level of 10 micrograms per cubic metre:

• Toronto: With an average of 7 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre, Toronto, the country's largest city, faces high levels of smog during summer months, impacting those with respiratory diseases.
• Montreal: Montreal has an average of 7.1 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre and has been noted for its high number of wood-burning stoves, approximately 50,000, contributing to poor air quality.
• Hamilton: This city in Ontario had the highest rate of air pollution in the province in 2016 due to industry and car travel, with 7.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre.
• Yellowknife: While Yellowknife has improved its air quality, it still averages 7.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre.
• Regina: The capital of Saskatchewan has an air pollution level of 8.1 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre.
• Quebec's Capital: The capital city of Quebec has an average of 8.2 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre.
• Windsor: Located along the Detroit River, Windsor has an average of 8.3 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre.
• Saskatoon: Saskatoon falls below the WHO's recommended level with an average of 6.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre.

Health and Economic Impact of Poor Air Quality

The health effects of poor air quality can be significant, including increased risks of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases. Additionally, the economic costs attributed to air pollution in Canada are estimated at $114 billion per year, including factors such as decreased productivity, increased healthcare needs, and reduced quality of life.

Frequently asked questions