Ontario cleans up its air act
January 17, 2011
By
Canadian Consulting Engineer
The Ontario government reports that air quality in the province has improved substantially between 2009 and 2003.
The Ontario government reports that air quality in the province has improved substantially between 2009 and 2003.
The 2009 Air Quality Report found that nitrogen oxide pollution has decreased by 21%, equivalent to taking three million cars off the road per year.
Carbon monoxide decreased by 14%, and sulphur dioxide decreased by 28%.
there has also been a 17% decrease in fine particulate matter in the air, such as smoke, fumes, dust and pollen.
The government attributes the improvement in the air to closing down some of its coal fired power generators, introducing new air standards and limits to nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide, and its Drive Clean testing.
In 2009 the province had only three smog advisories.
The report also found that industrial and transportation emissions are decreasing, whereas residential sources are increasing.
