Canadian Air Quality Declines, Water Problems "Troublesome" 1990-2003

[hatrack]

Trends in air quality and greenhouse-gas emissions deteriorated in Canada through much of the past decade, while pollution levels in lakes and rivers remained troublesome, a new federal report said Wednesday. The report, prepared by Environment Canada, Statistics Canada and Health Canada, and looked at three indicators – freshwater quality, air quality and greenhouse-gas emissions – between 1990 and 2003.

Over that period, air quality and gas emissions worsened, the report said. As well, it suggested, pollution guidelines for water were exceeded – at least occasionally – at most of the monitoring sites across the country. According to the findings, the national concentration of ground-level ozone – the key component in smog – rose 16 per cent over the study period, with parts of Ontario suffering the worst.

The highest levels in 2003 were all seen at recording stations in Southern Ontario, the report said. Similarly, it said, concentrations in the region also grew the fastest between 1990 and 2003. “In general, the health effects of ozone worsen as concentrations increase,” the government agencies said. “Ground-level ozone has been linked to human health effects ranging from minor respiratory problems to emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions are most sensitive to high ozone levels.” Related economic effects, the report added, include employee absenteeism, lower labour-force participation and increased health-care costs.

Emissions of greenhouse gases rose 24 per cent over the test period, the agencies said, and by 2003 were 32 per cent above the targets set out by the Kyoto Protocol for 2008 to 2012.

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http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20051214.wenviron1214/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/