Saskatchewan's Air Pollution Alert: What's The Cause?

Saskatchewan, Canada, is a province known for its vast nature reserves, forests, and freshwater bodies. While it boasts some of the best air quality in the world, certain areas like Saskatoon have experienced elevated pollution levels, particularly during the colder months. The main culprits are vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of firewood or charcoal in winter, which all contribute to poor air quality. With continuous air quality monitoring in several locations, including Saskatoon, and collaborative efforts with air zone associations, Saskatchewan is actively working to maintain a healthy and resilient environment for its residents.

Vehicle exhaust and emission fumes

Saskatoon, the largest city in Saskatchewan, Canada, is home to over 246,000 people. The province has a large number of forested areas, nature reserves, and freshwater bodies, with over 100,000 lakes. Saskatoon's economy is largely based on the production and extraction of materials such as potash and oil, as well as mining rare resources. The city has numerous causes of air pollution, and while Canadian cities tend to have some of the best air quality in the world, they are not exempt from the polluting effects of industry and the mass movement of people.

The large number of vehicles on the road contributes to the elevation in pollution typically seen during the colder months. While these elevations are usually correlated with winter, exceptions can occur due to other events such as forest fires or other polluting occurrences throughout the year. For instance, in 2019, Saskatoon experienced a period of significantly higher air pollution levels, which persisted from December through to March of the following year. During this period, the city's PM2.5 readings remained high, with March being the most polluted month, reaching a level of 10.3 μg/m³.

To address the issue of vehicle exhaust and emission fumes, Saskatoon has implemented various measures. The city has identified six air zones with similar air quality characteristics to monitor, report, and take action on air quality issues. Real-time air quality data is made available to the public through continuous air quality monitoring in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Swift Current, Estevan, and Buffalo Narrows. Additionally, air zone associations have been established in three of the six air zones with higher industrial activity and population density to provide additional monitoring. These collaborative efforts aim to improve air quality and protect the health of residents, especially those with heart and lung conditions who are most affected by air pollution.

Industrial activity

Saskatchewan, Canada, is a province known for its diverse industrial activities, which have had a significant impact on the air quality in the region. The primary sectors contributing to air pollution through their industrial activities include agriculture, energy production, mining

Population density

Saskatchewan has identified six air zones with similar air quality characteristics, and three of these zones have higher industrial activity and population density: the Southeast Saskatchewan Airshed Association, the Western Yellowhead Air Management Zone, and the Great Plains Air Zone. These zones are monitored by air zone associations that work collaboratively with the government to address air quality issues.

One of the primary sources of air pollution in Saskatchewan is vehicle emissions. With a large number of people on the road and increasing vehicle ownership, the province experiences high levels of noxious chemicals and fine particulate matter from cars, motorcycles, and other small personal vehicles. Additionally, the use of heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and lorries, in industries like import and export, further exacerbates the problem.

Another factor affecting air quality in Saskatchewan is the burning of firewood or charcoal during the colder winter months. Wildfires also contribute to short-term reductions in air quality, as the smoke releases fine particulate matter into the atmosphere. While Saskatchewan has made improvements in overall air quality, ozone levels continue to rise due to complex chemical reactions involving NOX and hydrocarbons in the presence of sunlight.

The effects of air pollution can be detrimental to human health, particularly for individuals with heart and lung conditions. Sensitive groups may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing and throat irritation, even with limited exposure. Continuous air quality monitoring takes place in several locations across Saskatchewan, including Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, to track and address air pollution levels.

Forest fires

Saskatchewan, Canada, is a province full of large amounts of forested areas, nature reserves, and freshwater bodies, with over 100,000 lakes. The air quality in the region is monitored by the Ministry of Environment, which operates six ambient air monitoring stations in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Swift Current, Estevan, and Buffalo Narrows. These stations provide real-time air quality data to the public.

Saskatchewan has identified six air zones that exhibit similar air quality characteristics, issues, and trends. Three of these zones have established air zone associations that provide additional monitoring in areas not covered by the provincial monitoring program. These zones are typically areas with higher industrial activity and population density.

Saskatoon, the largest city in Saskatchewan, experiences air pollution from vehicle exhaust and emission fumes, heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and lorries, construction sites, road repairs, secondary pollutant formation, factory or power plant emissions, and the burning of firewood or charcoal in winter. While Canadian cities tend to have some of the best air quality globally, they are not exempt from the polluting effects of industry and daily human activities.

People with heart and lung conditions are most affected

The Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards, a federal system designed to protect human health and the environment, is the driving force behind Saskatchewan's air quality monitoring efforts. The province has designated six air zones with similar air quality characteristics for monitoring, reporting, and addressing air quality issues. Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Swift Current, Estevan, and Buffalo Narrows are among the six locations in the province where continuous air quality monitoring takes place.

Several factors contribute to Saskatoon's air pollution. Vehicle emissions and fumes are significant sources, with a high volume of cars, motorcycles, and other small personal vehicles on the road. Large vehicles like trucks and lorries, which often run on diesel fuel, emit even more pollution and finely ground rubber particles that are harmful to both wildlife and human health. Industry, construction, road repairs, secondary pollutant formation, factory or power plant emissions, and firewood or charcoal burning during winter also contribute to air pollution.

Wildfire smoke is another critical factor in the slight increase in fine particulate matter (FPM or PM2.5) since 2010. While Saskatchewan has seen overall air quality improvements, ozone (O3) levels continue to rise despite reductions in pollution concentrations that contribute to its formation. People with heart and lung conditions should closely monitor air quality alerts and take necessary precautions to protect their health during periods of high air pollution.

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