Executive Summary

Introduction

Ground-level Ozone

Particulate Matter in Air

Conclusions

References

National Ambient Air Quality Standards : proposed decisions on particulate matter and ozone

Conclusions

Canada congratulates the U.S. EPA on the considerable effort to assess the evidence on effects of ozone and particulate matter on human health and on the proposals for new standards.

The Canadian ambient air quality objectives for particulates and ozone are under review. At this time, proposals for Canadian levels are not complete. However, the scientific evidence supports the following clear conclusions.

Specifically, Canada recommends and urges the U.S. EPA to:

1. adopt a more stringent standard for PM10;
2. adopt more stringent standards for PM2.5 at the lower end of the range recommended by the EPA scientists;
3. adopt an 8-hour standard for ozone at the 0.07 ppm level.

Canada looks forward to a continuing dialogue on this important matter and offers to share its research into the health effects of ozone and particulate levels in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial improvements in the airsheds of both countries.

All information requests should be directed to:

H.A. Clarke
Assistant Deputy Minister
Environmental Protection Service
Environment Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd.
Hull, Quebec
K1A 0H3