Report shows Edmonton’s air quality is a health concern

A recent report shows air quality has reached potentially harmful levels in Edmonton.

An Edmonton air quality study from 2008 to 2010 shows a component of smog called particulate matter exceeded the national average some days.

“They’re one twentieth the size of a human hair. They’re very small. You can breathe them into your lungs, and they are a potential human health concern,” said Alberta Environment’s air policy manager, Bob Myrick.

The information was based on two monitoring stations in downtown and east Edmonton. Myrick believes weather played a factor in the poor air quality.

“We had very stagnant weather conditions, hardly any wind, and it persisted like day after day after day, like seven or eight days of the air not moving around,” explained Myrick.

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The report was published on-line in August, but the public wasn’t notified of the findings.

“It’s important that the public knows about air quality, and I think as part of the management plan process we have a real opportunity to improve communications with the public and the fact that they can actually do things to improve air quality,” said Myrick.

One suggestion from Alberta Environment to improve air quality is for drivers to decrease the amount of time they allow their vehicles to idle.

“When you’re going through drive thru, as an example, and you’re sitting there waiting for your food for five minutes, turn off your vehicle, and save gas and also improve the environment,” said Myrick.

A study is being conducted for 2010 to 2011. Researchers are expecting to see similar results.

“What we’re doing is we’re working with stake holders, industry environmental groups, and municipal governments to develop a management plan to look at this issue over the next two year time period to see what other actions can actually be put in place,” said Myrick.

If you want to know what the current air quality level in your area, go to Alberta Environment’s air quality website.

Particulate Matter and Ozone Management Fact Sheet (2008-2010)