Fine Particles and Ozone in Québec Relative to the
Canada-wide Standards
2009 Report
Ozone (O3) and fine particles are two of the main pollutants
responsible for smog. The 2009 Report presents the latest results compiled
for Québec of ozone and fine particle levels in the ambient air, and of
atmospheric emissions of fine particles and the gaseous precursors of fine
particles and ozone. Besides presenting these results, the report describes
how the situation has evolved in recent years, with elements of intervention
for reducing fine particles and ozone in the ambient air of Québec.
In June 2000, the federal, provincial and territorial
governments, with the exception of Québec, adopted the Canada-wide
Standards for Particulate Matter (PM) and Ozone. To comply with these
standards, the governments committed to take steps to reduce concentrations
of these pollutants in the ambient air by year 2010.
Though it is not a signatory to the Canada-wide
Environmental Standards Sub-Agreement, the Government of Québec acts in
harmony with the other jurisdictions with regard to these air quality
standards.
Recognition of the Canada-wide standards (CWS) is a step toward
minimizing the risks of these pollutants to human health and the environment.
As management objectives, the CWS represent a balance between, on the one
hand, seeking the best possible protection for health and the environment,
and on the other, the feasibility and costs of reducing pollutant emissions
into the atmosphere.
Report
( PDF
file, 612 ko) |
