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Calgary, the second most populous city in western Canada, has experienced an increase in pollution levels due to its position at the centre of Canada's oil industry and its strong economy, which is centred around energy production industries. The city's air quality is monitored by the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which measures the impact of pollutants on human health and the environment. While Calgary's air quality is generally considered good, there are times when the PM2.5 readings rise considerably, which can be harmful to human health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 1.58 million |
| Air Quality Ranking in 2019 | 3828th out of all cities ranked worldwide |
| PM2.5 Reading in 2019 | 6.9 μg/m³ |
| Cleanest Month in 2019 | September (4.4 μg/m³) |
| Main Causes of Pollution | Vehicle emissions, industrial sources, wood-burning firepits, climate change, drought, lightning storms, indoor pollutants |
| Pollutants | Black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, methylene chloride, formaldehyde |
| Air Quality Index Sources | AccuWeather, AirNow, GAIA air quality monitors, Plume Labs |
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What You'll Learn
- Calgary's air quality is generally good, but pollution levels rise during certain months
- Vehicle emissions are a major cause of pollution, with larger vehicles releasing more fumes
- Black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide are among the chemicals released from vehicles
- Climate change affects air quality, and Calgary has experienced more smoky conditions in recent years
- The provincial government has set objectives to measure the short-term impacts of air pollutants
Calgary's air quality is generally good, but pollution levels rise during certain months
Calgary's air quality is generally good, especially when compared to other cities worldwide. However, there are certain months when the pollution levels rise, and it can become unhealthy for sensitive groups to spend prolonged periods outside.
Calgary's strong economy is centred around energy production industries, the finance sector, entertainment, technology, and more. While these factors contribute to a high quality of life for its inhabitants, they can also impact pollution levels. The city's air quality is affected by emissions from vehicles, oil and gas production, farming, building work, and driving. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is one factor used to create the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). These particles can affect health and include smoke, soot, liquid or solid particles in aerosol form, and biological materials like mould, bacteria, pollen, and pet dander.
In 2019, Calgary's air quality was at its best between June and November. The cleanest months of the year were April, June, September, and November, all with PM2.5 readings of 4.9 μg/m³ or less. However, May saw a significant increase in pollution levels, with a reading of 14.4 μg/m³.
To address air quality concerns, the provincial government has set the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives to measure the short-term impacts of various air pollutants. The City of Calgary has also implemented an Air Quality Management Plan, which aims to reduce pollution and protect the air in collaboration with local government, businesses, and the public.
Calgary's air quality can be monitored in real time through various online platforms and plugins, such as the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) on Environment Canada's website, as well as through apps and widgets provided by organisations like AccuWeather, IQAir, and GAIA.
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Vehicle emissions are a major cause of pollution, with larger vehicles releasing more fumes
Calgary, Alberta, is a highly developed city with a strong economy centred around energy production industries, finance, entertainment, technology, and more. As a result of its economic activities, the city experiences varying levels of air pollution throughout the year. While Calgary generally has good air quality, certain months see higher levels of pollution.
Vehicle emissions are a major cause of pollution in Calgary, with larger vehicles releasing more fumes. These emissions include black carbon, the main component of soot and a potent carcinogen when inhaled. Black carbon also has adverse effects on the environment, as it absorbs solar radiation and releases it as heat, contributing to climate change. Other chemicals released from vehicles include nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), with nitrogen dioxide being the most prominent pollutant in areas of high traffic.
In addition to vehicle emissions, other sources of air pollution in Calgary include industrial sources, oil and gas production, farming, building, heating, and the use of certain products. The provincial government regulates air emissions from industrial sources and has implemented initiatives such as the Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives to monitor and reduce pollution.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) helps residents understand the current air quality, its health effects, and how to protect themselves. While the air quality in Calgary is generally acceptable for most individuals, sensitive groups may experience symptoms from long-term exposure. It is important to note that people with heart and lung conditions are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution.
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Black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide are among the chemicals released from vehicles
Calgary, the most populous city in Alberta, has a strong economy centred around energy production industries, the finance sector, entertainment, and technology. While the city generally boasts good air quality, there are certain months when the pollution levels rise. In 2019, Calgary ranked 3828th out of all cities worldwide for PM2.5 particulate matter, with a reading of 6.9 μg/m³.
Vehicular emissions are a significant contributor to pollution levels in Calgary. Black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide are among the harmful chemicals released from vehicles. Black carbon, the main component of soot, is a potent carcinogen when inhaled and has climate-altering effects due to its ability to absorb and release solar radiation as heat. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is prevalent in areas of high traffic and can cause lung irritation, weaken defences against respiratory infections, and contribute to ground-level ozone formation. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colourless gas produced by burning sulfur-containing fuels, especially diesel and coal. Exposure to SO2 is linked to asthma exacerbations and poses the greatest health risk to children and asthmatics.
In addition to these pollutants, vehicles also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, methylene chloride, and formaldehyde, which pose significant dangers to human health. Furthermore, poorly maintained vehicles can produce up to 50% more emissions than well-maintained ones, exacerbating the problem.
To address this issue, the transition to electric vehicles and clean fuel technologies is crucial. Electric trucks and buses, for example, have significantly lower emissions than their fossil fuel-powered counterparts. Implementing policies and investments that promote the adoption of electric vehicles can help reduce emissions and improve air quality in Calgary and other cities worldwide.
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Climate change affects air quality, and Calgary has experienced more smoky conditions in recent years
Calgary, Alberta, is a highly developed city with a strong economy centred around energy production industries, finance, entertainment, technology, and more. As a result of its economic activity, Calgary has occasionally experienced less-than-desirable air quality. While the city generally maintains good air quality throughout the year, there are certain months when the pollution levels rise.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) helps residents understand the current air quality, its effects on their health, and how they can protect themselves. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is one factor used to create the AQHI. These particles can affect health and include smoke, soot, liquid or solid particles in aerosol, and biological materials like mould, bacteria, pollen, and pet dander. A PM2.5 rating is often given alongside air quality ratings to provide more information about air quality.
Some of the main causes of pollution in Calgary are emissions from vehicles, ranging from personal vehicles like motorbikes and cars to industrial ones like trucks, lorries, and buses. These larger vehicles often release higher amounts of fumes and are a significant contributor to pollution levels. In addition, they release microscopic traces of rubber on the road in large quantities. Other chemicals released from vehicles include black carbon, the main component of soot and a potent carcinogen when inhaled; nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is the most prominent pollutant in areas of high traffic; and sulfur dioxide (SO2).
Calgary's air quality is also affected by its economic activities, such as oil and gas production, farming, building, driving, heating, and using certain products. Climate change also plays a role in the city's air quality. As the climate warms, droughts and other changes increase the risk of wildfires, which are a major threat to the air quality. Calgary has experienced more smoky conditions over the last 30 years, and as climate change makes summers hotter, drier, and longer, with more potential for lightning storms, the city can expect more smoky conditions in the future.
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The provincial government has set objectives to measure the short-term impacts of air pollutants
Calgary, Alberta, is a rapidly developing city with a population of approximately 1.58 million people, making it the most populous city in the province. The city's economy is centred around energy production industries, finance, entertainment, and technology, among other sectors. While this contributes to a high quality of life for its inhabitants, it can also lead to less desirable levels of pollution.
Calgary's air quality is monitored through the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which provides real-time data on the current air quality and its potential effects on human health. The AQHI is an initiative of Environment Canada, Health Canada, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Health, and Alberta Health Services. While the data is received in real time, the lack of detailed quality control may result in inaccurate presentations of current AQHI conditions.
Additionally, the Population Exposure to Outdoor Air Pollutants Indicator tracks the proportion of the Canadian population living in areas where outdoor air pollutant concentrations meet or exceed the 2020 Canadian Air Ambient Quality Standards. This provides insight into the number of people potentially affected by poor air quality.
To address air pollution, the Government of Canada introduced the Multi-sector Air Pollutants Regulations in 2016, which established mandatory national air pollutant emission standards for major industrial facilities. The federal government also published non-regulatory instruments to reduce air pollutants from industrial sectors and equipment types. These regulations and indicators help measure and mitigate the short-term impacts of air pollutants, ensuring the well-being of Calgary's residents and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is some air pollution in Calgary. The city's strong economy, centred around energy production industries, the finance sector, entertainment, and technology, can occasionally impact pollution levels.
Some of the main causes of air pollution in Calgary are emissions from vehicles, including black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. Other noteworthy pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, methylene chloride, and formaldehyde, which can be dangerous to human health.
There are several ways to find out about the air quality in Calgary. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) provides information on the current air quality and its effects on health. Additionally, there are real-time air pollution maps and plugins available for Chrome, Firefox, and Windows that can help you monitor air pollution levels in the city.
