A study out of the University of Alberta has found sunlight causes chemical reactions in the dust found on Edmonton’s roads.
The research by environmental chemist Sarah Styler discovered that light reacts with road dust and can cause a chemical reaction.
READ MORE: Calls for Edmonton to prioritize pedestrian hot spots when it comes to spring cleaning
Get breaking National news
Styler and other scientists are attempting to better understand the urban environment and its components.
They found road dust is made up from exhaust emissions from vehicles, particles from tire treads, debris from the road itself and runoff from nearby parks and yards.
- City of Regina is asking residents for feedback to improve downtown Regina
- Environment Canada issues rainfall warnings, special statement for B.C., and Alberta
- Late spring start, dry conditions to blame for intense Edmonton allergy season
- Mama black bear killed in Golden Ears park for aggressive behaviour, conservation says
READ MORE: Photos of Edmonton street appear to show line-painting fail
Styler will now try to figure out what the reaction between road dust and sunlight means for people.
The research,”Photochemical Production of Singlet Oxygen by Urban Road Dust,” was recently published in the journal, Environmental Science and Technology Letters.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.