Air Care A parent's guide to air quality and health

CLEAN AIR IT'S SOMETHING ALL CANADIANS ENJOY AND FOR WHICH WE MUST ALL CARE. CLEAN AIR IS ALSO VITAL TO HEALTHY LIVING AND A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT. PRACTISING AIR CARE MAKES SENSE BECAUSE TAKING CARE OF OUR AIR IS TAKING CARE OF OUR HEALTH.

Many of our everyday activities affect Canada's air quality. Burning fossil fuels such as gasoline and coal for energy is one of the main ways we add to air pollution: every time we drive our cars, heat our homes, use our appliances, run factories and power plants, we release pollutants into the atmosphere. Many other activities also damage Earth's atmosphere, from painting our homes to using cleaning solvents.

Something is being done about it. Governments, industry, communities and individual Canadians are working together to control air pollutants. You can also become part of the solution. If you understand how your actions affect the environment and the health of your family, you can make choices that will help keep our air clean and our environment healthy. By being a good environmental citizen, you can teach your children to do the same. This booklet explains what you can do to make a difference.

AN AIR QUALITY WHAT'S WHAT

Smog
Smog, the yellow-brown haze that hangs over many cities on calm summer days, is made up in large part of ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is formed when two main pollutants, nitrogen oxide (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), react in sunlight. Ground-level ozone shouldn't be confused with the blanket of atmospheric ozone, high up in the stratosphere, that protects us from the sun's harmful rays. At ground level, ozone is a serious pollutant.

NOx are produced when we burn fuels such as gasoline in our cars and oil in our homes, industries and power plants. VOC are caused by the evaporation of liquid fuels and products manufactured from these fuels such as solvents, barbecue lighter fluid, household cleaners and personal care products such as hairspray and nail polish remover, and oil-based paint.

On hot, windless days, these pollutants help to create smog. Because smog formation depends on heat and sunlight, smog usually peaks in late afternoon and early evening.

Ground-level ozone can irritate the nose and throat, and cause coughing and headaches in many people. Vigorous outdoor exercise in smoggy conditions can lead to painful or difficult breathing. Children and individuals with respiratory problems are most vulnerable.

Acid air, acid rain Acid rain occurs when common air pollutants nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide combine with water in the atmosphere to form droplets of very weak acid. Nitrogen oxides, which also contribute to smog, are released by our motor vehicles, power plants and factories. Most sulphur dioxide is produced by coal- burning smelters, power plants and factories. Sulphur dioxide emissions form toxic compounds such as acid aerosols.

Some of this acid air pollution falls to the ground along with dust, rain, fog and snow where it damages our lakes, forests, crops and buildings. Some remains suspended in the air. Air currents can transport this mixture hundreds and thousands of kilometres from the sources of pollution.

Small enough to enter deeply into the lungs, acid air pollution may contribute to respiratory illness and reduced lung function.

Governments and industry are working together to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and other air pollutants. Canada and the U.S.A. have also signed an Air Quality Agreement committing both countries to major reductions in emissions that cause acid rain. We can help by using our vehicles wisely and conserving energy. (See tips on pages 5 and 6.)

SMOG HOT SPOTS
In summer, more than half of all Canadians may be exposed to high levels of ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. The highest concentrations are in the Windsor to Quebec City corridor, in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia and in the southern portion of New Brunswick.

On days when smog level are high, Environment Canada, in co-operation with the provinces, will be issuing smog or air quality advisories in these areas.

Other air pollutants
The air we breathe can also contain other pollutants. Carbon monoxide from car exhausts, for example, can reduce the amount of oxygen that is carried by the blood to muscles and organs. Small particles from car exhaust and industrial activities can also carry compounds such as acids and metals into the lungs. Still others can irritate the eyes.

GLOBAL THREATS
The pollutants that reduce air quality in our cities can also contribute to global atmospheric problems.

Ozone depletion
High up in the stratosphere, a blanket of ozone gas shields us from the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, protecting our health and most life on this planet. But for years, chemicals used in some everyday appliances and products have been damaging this sunscreen.

The main culprits are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals used in refrigerator and freezer coils, and in automobile and commercial air conditioners. They're released into the atmosphere when the coils are repaired or the old appliance is destroyed. Because they're often damaged and leak CFCs, car air conditioners are major villains.

As the ozone layer becomes thinner, more of the sun's UV rays can reach the Earth's surface. Over time, too many UV rays and repeated sunburns can lead to skin cancer, premature skin aging and cataracts. The immune system can also be weakened.

Climate changes
Changes in the balance of gases in our atmosphere caused by our activities are also altering the world's climate. Our atmosphere works much like a greenhouse: small quantities of greenhouse gases water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, CFCs and nitrous oxides trap the sun's heat near the Earth's surface, making our planet habitable. But a build-up of these greenhouse gases is now intensifying the heating effect. Warmer temperatures could melt polar ice, change weather patterns, and disrupt agriculture. Some plants, animals and people may have trouble adapting to these changes.

The fuels burned by our cars, industries and power plants contribute large quantities of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, to the atmosphere.

ENVIRONMENTALLY-SMART LIVING BEGINS AT HOME
You can reduce your family's exposure to air pollutants and, at the same time, fight pollution itself. Even small changes can make a big difference.

Put the brakes on air pollution
Our automobiles are major contributors to smog, acid rain and global warming. Drive only when necessary: walk, cycle, or use public transit instead. If you drive, arrange a car pool every additional passenger means one less vehicle on the road.

IMPROVE YOUR CAR'S FUEL EFFICIENCY

• Avoid jackrabbit starts and obey speed limits. Driving at moderate speeds uses less fuel and saves you money.
• Avoid idling for long periods. Turn off your engine while waiting.
• Your automobile air conditioner increases fuel usage: use it only when necessary.
• Keep your car tuned to manufacturer's specifications and have your emission control system checked at least once a year.
• Keep tires properly inflated.
• Avoid carrying excess weight: heavier cars burn more fuel.

TRADE UP TO EFFICIENCY
Buying a new car? Make fuel efficiency a prime factor in your choice. More efficient vehicles tend to weigh less, have smaller engines and include features such as fuel injection and cruise control. Pass up options such as a roof rack, sun roof, and air conditioning that make cars less fuel efficient. Remember also that car air conditioners often leak CFCs that deplete atmospheric ozone. You may also want to consider less polluting fuels such as propane, natural gas and methanol.

SAFEGUARDING OUR CHILDREN'S HEALTH
Still growing, still developing, children are more vulnerable than adults to air pollutants. They are also generally exposed to more air pollutants than adults because they breathe faster and, in the summer, spend more time outdoors being physically active. Children, as well as adults, with heart or lung problems, especially asthma, are considered to be more at risk because of their sensitivity to air pollutants in general and, when air pollution levels are high, they may experience a worsening of their condition.

You can reduce your children's exposure by encouraging them to play outdoors early in the day, when pollution levels, in particular ground-level ozone, are lower. Choose outdoor play areas away from heavy traffic. Plan indoor activities in tobacco smoke-free environments for the late afternoon when levels are highest. And remember to protect children's delicate skin from the sun's harmful UV rays with hats, clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.

On the home front
Our homes consume vast quantities of energy and contribute to air pollution in many ways. Conservation not only makes environmental sense it's good for you, your children, and your wallet.

BUYING A NEW HOME?

Better insulated and sealed, these houses use less energy and have added environmental features. The home's continuous fresh air ventilation system means lower heating bills and a more comfortable, healthier place to live.
• Consider the availability of mass transit and bicycle paths when choosing a neighbourhood.

MAINTAINING AN OLDER HOME?

• Upgrade and maintain the heating system. Upgrade the insulation and replace old windows with energy-efficient models. Install storm windows and doors, weatherstrip and caulk door and window frames.
• Solvents in household cleaners and in surface coatings like oil-based paints are a major source of VOC. Choose alternatives to solvent-containing products, such as water-based paint, and dispose of all chemicals with care. The EcoLogo is your guide to environmentally safer products.
• When repairing or disposing of your old refrigerator or air conditioner, have a trained service technician reclaim the CFCs instead of venting them into the atmosphere.

THINK ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• Replace conventional lightbulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescents in often-used lamps. Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Use the right appliance for the job: microwave ovens, for instance, are more efficient than stoves.
• Use appliances less often: wash full loads only, hang clothes out to dry.
• In winter, turn down the heat at night and when you're away. During summer, pull down shades to keep the hot sunshine out. Use air conditioning only when needed for comfort and health.
• Install water-flow reducers in your taps and showerheads.

BUY EFFICIENTLY
Put energy efficiency at the top of your new appliance wish list. The EnerGuide label is the key. It tells you how much energy the appliance is likely to consume in a year: the lower the number, the more energy- efficient the appliance. The bar scale also tells you how the appliance stacks up energy-wise against other similar models.

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
You can do a lot to protect your family and the environment. By making informed product choices, using products wisely, and creating more energy-efficient living and working spaces, you can help keep Canada's air clean.

Protect your family tune in
Listen for these air quality broadcasts:

SMOG ADVISORIES: These reports are issued when weather conditions leading to reduced air quality are forecast. When you hear the report, remember that driving your car and using fuels such as barbecue lighter fluids, solvents and oil-based paints add pollutants to the atmosphere.

Smog Advisories allow sensitive individuals and parents to make smog-smart choices to decrease exposure to potentially harmful air pollutants.

UV INDEX: The daily UV Index is issued as part of the regular weather information. Be extra careful when the index is high. Make certain your children spend less time in the sun, wear clothes that cover their skin, a sunscreen on bare skin, and protect their eyes with UV-rated sunglasses.

Become an environmental citizen Environmental Citizenship means doing what you can, as much as you can, to save our environment. Learn more. Join a group. Speak out. Take action!

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Write to the address below for publications about:

AIR QUALITY ISSUES
Enquiry Centre, Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3

HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Publications Division, Communications Branch, Health and Welfare Canada, Jeanne Mance Building, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9

ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN CARS AND HOMES
Energy Publications, Energy, Mines and Resources Canada, 580 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4

SMOG AND GROUND-LEVEL OZONE
CCME NOx/VOC Office, 100 Sparks Street, Suite 360, Ottawa, ON K1P 5B7

WORKING TOGETHER FOR HEALTHY AIR
In 1990, the Government of Canada launched the Green Plan, the most comprehensive plan of its kind ever initiated by any country. Some 80 initiatives and programs are already underway that touch the lives of nearly all Canadians, from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the food we eat.

The following government organizations and departments are working as a team to enhance air quality and your health.

ENVIRONMENT CANADA
Environment Canada works with Canadians to protect, restore and sustain our environment. It has programs to prevent pollution before it starts, control existing pollution, and clean up problems caused by past errors. Information programs such as Smog Advisories, the UV Index, Ozone Watch, the Environmental Choice Program and the Environmental Citizenship Initiative are designed to help Canadians make sound environmental decisions.

HEALTH AND WELFARE CANADA (HWC)
As part of its Action Plan on Health and the Environment, HWC is establishing standards for food, air, water and soil quality, and helping people understand how they can improve their health and the environment. It is the principal source of research and advice on the health impacts of environmental issues.

ENERGY, MINES AND RESOURCES CANADA (EMR)
In addition to energy efficiency programs such as EnerGuide, EMR develops efficient automotive technologies and alternative transportation fuels. Through its Advanced Houses Program, innovative, energy-efficient technologies are tested and the best are integrated into Canada's R-2000 homes.

CCME NOX/VOC OFFICE
Under the umbrella of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), the ten provinces, two territories and the federal government work as equal partners to develop consistent environmental standards, practices and legislation across the country. The CCME NOx/VOC Management Plan is a comprehensive three-phase program aimed at fully resolving ground-level ozone problems in Canada.

PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS across Canada have also launched a number of innovative programs to reduce smog and other pollutants.