With national air quality objectives in place for Canada, air pollutant concentration measurement data from the National Air Pollutant Surveillance System (NAPS) is used by PDB to present information indicating our achievement of these goals. In addition, PDB air quality information must be provided to emission reduction programs such as the Smog Management Plan and Acidifying Emissions Programs so that theycan assess the measured air quality effects of proposed emission reduction initiatives. The data supports commitments for sharing urban air quality information with agencies such as: WHO, UNECE, OECD, Statistics Canada and Health Canada.

• Facts sheet ... "Air Quality Trends in Canadian Cities" (PDF, 80 KB)


• National Urban Air Quality Report 1981-1990 (available soon)

Trends Overview

• Data summary on Air Quality Trends
• Chart illustrating Air Quality Trends

Background Information

• Air Quality Index Guideline Document - Introduction (PDF, 16 KB)
• Air Quality Index Guideline Document - Body (PDF, 122 KB)