Air Issues in Atlantic Canada
When you think of Atlantic Canada's air, you likely imagine salty ocean breezes, or the fresh green smells of farms and forests. While this is often true, it is also true that poor air quality is an issue of concern to Atlantic Canadians.
Air pollution in Atlantic Canada is a function of both the long range transport of air pollution and significant local emission sources. The same wind patterns and atmospheric conditions which bring us our weather, also carry large concentrations of air pollutants from central North America and the eastern United States to Atlantic Canada. As well, Atlantic Canada is highly dependent on fossil fuels such as coal and heavy oil, which are both significant emission sources, making the region a contributor to its own air pollution as well.
- Airborne Pollutants Cause Environmental Problems
- Government Actions Address Atlantic Air Quality
- What You Can Do
Airborne Pollutants Cause Environmental Problems
Smog is a particular concern in Atlantic Canada. Smog is a mixture of air pollutants, including ground-level ozone and particulate matter (PM). Especially vulnerable to smog are the elderly, those with existing heart or lung disease and small children. However, even healthy adults can be adversely affected by high smog levels.
Airborne pollutants also contribute to other environmental problems. Acid rain continues to be an issue in the region. Acid rain is created when the airborne pollutants sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) mix with water vapour. Precipitation washes this solution to earth as acid rain. Acid rain has serious negative effects on lakes and aquatic ecosystems. Large areas of the region are especially sensitive to the effects of acid rain, and continue to receive deposition levels above critical loads. This has resulted in the degradation of aquatic habitat, with the Atlantic salmon populations being severely impacted, as well as slower forest growth.
Mercury is also a pollutant that can be transported in air. Some of the mercury in the air in the Atlantic provincescomes from local sources, such as incinerators and coal-fired thermal power plants. There is also long-range transport of mercury from the United States and central Canada. Mercury levels in wildlife such as loons are the highest in North America, and have been shown to cause reproductive problems.
Pesticides used in agriculture in Atlantic Canada also contribute to air quality problems. Pesticide concentrations in the air in Atlantic Canada are higher than any previously measured in Canada.
Government Actions Address Atlantic Air Quality
In December 2000, Canada and the United States signed and brought into force the Ozone Annex to the 1991 Canada-U.S.Air Quality Agreement. This agreement will reduce air pollution in eastern Canada, including the Atlantic region and the eastern United States.
Both countries are committed to significant cuts in emissions of NOXand volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by 2007. Reductions in the emissions of these pollutants will reduce levels of ground-level ozone and acid rain.
Federal regulations for cleaner vehicles and fuels will also reduce the key pollutants, such as NOX, that contribute to smog. New regulations will result in an average 70 to 90 per cent reduction of smog-causing pollutants and "air toxics" from current levels. Without these measures, studies show vehicle emissions will level off and start to rise again.
What You Can Do
Every small choice we make to limit the emissions that cause air pollution and climate change will help achieve cleaner air. There are so many things you can do to take action. Here are just a few to make a difference:
- Reduce air conditioning demands in summer by installing window blinds, using ceiling fans and shading your house with trees or awnings.
- Keep your oil or gas furnace properly tuned. A well-maintained unit uses 10 to 15 per cent less energy. Consider replacing old furnaces with a high-efficiency model.
- When shopping for new appliances, compare EnerGuide consumption rates and choose the one that is most efficient. Even if it's more expensive initially, it will cost less in the long run.
- Wood stoves are available with anti-pollution devices. Choose one of these if you are buying a new wood stove.
- When shopping for a new home, keep energy efficiency in mind. What are the levels of insulation? How efficient is the heating system? Are the windows the best available for reducing heat loss?
- Remember there can be pollution from lawn mowers, snow blowers and outboard motors. Look for low-emission engines.
- Buying new lights? Consider using energy-efficient lighting. Fluorescent bulbs for use in standard incandescent sockets are now available and are more than four times as efficient, and last eight to fifteen times longer than the equivalent incandescent bulb.
- Don't idle your car engine. Turn it off, even if it's just for a few minutes.
- Try walking, biking or in-line skating rather than taking your car.
