Air Pollution's Worst Offenders In Canada

Air pollution is a serious issue that affects many countries around the world. While Canada is far down the World Health Organization's list of worst offenders, there are still several Canadian cities that suffer from poor air quality. In this article, we will explore the cities in Canada with the worst air pollution and discuss the potential health risks associated with living in these areas. We will also provide tips on how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution.

Montreal, Quebec

To reduce exposure to pollutants, individuals can limit physical activity during times of poor air quality and stay indoors. While anyone can be affected by pollution, those at the greatest risk include people with heart conditions, respiratory conditions, diabetes, the elderly, children, and pregnant women.

Other Canadian cities with poor air quality include Hamilton, which had the highest rate of air pollution in the province of Ontario in 2016, due to industry and car travel. Yellowknife also has poor air quality, with an average of 7.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre, but the trend is improving. Saskatoon falls below the WHO's recommended maximum level of 10 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre.

Overall, while Canada ranks third in the world for best air quality, several Canadian cities could be at risk of causing health issues due to poor air quality.

Windsor, Ontario

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, those at the greatest risk of health issues from air pollution include individuals with heart conditions, respiratory conditions, people with diabetes, the elderly, children, and pregnant women. The Foundation recommends that individuals with lung or heart disease consult Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index before taking up physical activities on days of increased air pollution.

While Canada is far down the World Health Organization's list of worst offenders for air pollution (it's actually third in the world for best air quality), many Canadian cities could still be at risk of causing health issues due to poor air quality. In addition to Windsor, other cities with high levels of air pollution include Montreal, Hamilton, Yellowknife, and Saskatoon.

To protect yourself from the effects of air pollution, you can limit your physical activity during times of poor air quality and stay indoors. The government of Quebec recommends using alternate heat sources in your home and burning only dry hardwood, such as oak.

Hamilton, Ontario

While Canada is far down the World Health Organization's list of worst offenders for air pollution, many cities in the country are still at risk of causing health issues due to poor air quality.

PM2.5 refers to air particles of 2.5 micrometres in diameter or less. These particles can be inhaled and cause damage to the body. The WHO recommends a maximum level of 10 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre.

To reduce your overall exposure to pollutants, you can limit physical activity during times of poor air quality and stay indoors. Individuals with lung or heart disease should consult Environment Canada's Air Quality Health Index before taking up physical activities on days of increased air pollution.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

While Canada is far down the World Health Organization's list of worst offenders for air pollution, many cities in the country are still at risk of causing health issues due to poor air quality. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is one of these cities, with an average of 7.8 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre of air pollution. This is comparable to the levels of air pollution in Hamilton, a city in the province of Ontario, which had the highest rate of air pollution in the province in 2016. However, unlike Hamilton, Yellowknife's trendline is moving in the right direction, indicating that air quality in the city is improving.

Yellowknife's air pollution levels are likely due to a combination of factors, including industrial activity and car travel. Individuals with heart or lung disease are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should consult with their doctors about strategies to reduce their risk. Strategies may include limiting physical activity during times of poor air quality and staying indoors.

The Government of Canada is taking steps to address air pollution in the country. For example, new rules will force homeowners in Montreal to replace or stop using wood-burning stoves, which are a significant source of air pollution in the city. Additionally, the government of Quebec recommends using alternate heat sources and burning only dry hardwood such as oak.

While air pollution is a concern in Yellowknife, it is important to note that the city's trendline is moving in the right direction. This suggests that efforts to improve air quality in the city are having a positive impact. However, continued efforts are needed to ensure that Yellowknife's air quality continues to improve and that the health of its residents is protected.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

While Canada is far down the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of worst offenders for air pollution, many Canadian cities could still be at risk of causing health issues due to poor air quality.

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