SMOG

WHAT IS SMOG?

The term smog comes from the words "smoke" and "fog", and refers to the brownish-yellow haze we can sometimes see blanketing the horizon in warmer months.

Although smog contains a mixture of contaminants, its main component is ground-level ozone. We've all heard of ozone in the upper atmosphere, where it actually protects the earth from the sun s harmful ultraviolet rays. However, at ground level, where humans live and breathe, ozone can be a powerful and irritating pollutant.

Where Does Smog Come From?

Ground-level ozone is not released directly into the air. It is formed when two primary pollutants, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), react in the presence of sunlight.

Cars, trucks, power plants and manufacturing industries burn fossil fuels to produce NOx. In Manitoba, British Columbia, PEI, Ontario and Quebec, motor vehicles are the largest source of NOx emissions.

Although VOC occur naturally in the atmosphere, some result from human activity. VOC are released into the air from the evaporation of gasoline, oil-based paints and cleaning solvents. VOC also come from transportation products like automobile exhaust, or even from dry-cleaning. In urban areas across Canada, most VOC come from automobiles, except in PEI, where fuel combustion is the largest source of human-made VOC.

The reaction of naturally occurring VOC with NOx and the occasional transfer of ozone in the upper atmosphere to ground level can form background ozone. Background ozone also contributes to the smog problem.

Effects on Human Health

Smog can be irritating to the eyes, nose and throat after only a few hours of exposure. Some people may start to cough or have difficulty breathing. Although these outward symptoms usually disappear, if repeated exposure occurs, damage may continue deep inside the lungs.

When air quality is poor, anyone may feel the effects of ozone exposure. However, some groups of people are especially sensitive. Children, the elderly, and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions are more susceptible to the effects of smog, as are people who work or exercise outdoors.

Effects on Vegetation

Humans are not the only organisms to suffer from the ill-effects of ozone. Ozone can seriously damage our crops and forests as well. It acts by attacking the foliage of plants, reducing growth and crop yield. Some areas of Canada have suffered millions of dollars in agricultural losses from destruction by ozone.

Contributing Factors to Smog:

Weather and geographical conditions

Sunlight and heat are the two main weather conditions necessary for smog formation. However, rain and wind can also affect smog levels. Smog usually reaches high levels when winds are low. These slow-moving weather patterns allow air pollutants to build up.

Wind also carries air pollution over great distances, sometimes from as far away as the United States. Strong breezes often move smog from urban centers like Winnipeg to rural communities close-by.

Rain showers can wash the air of pollutants that cause smog. However, this may result in acid rain.

Transboundary air pollution

Sometimes, smog can be imported over the Canada/U.S. border. This is called transboundary air pollution. In Manitoba, transboundary air pollution contributes only minimally to smog levels.

Smog in Canada...

All of us are aware that smog can reach dangerous levels in cities like Los Angeles and Mexico City. Although Canada hasn't nearly the problem of these urban centers farther south, smog is a concern in some areas, especially during the spring and summer months.

The most serious ozone problems in Canada occur in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia, the Windsor-Quebec City Corridor across parts of Ontario and Quebec, and the Saint John, New Brunswick, area of the Southern Atlantic Region.

Map of Canada: Average Number of Days when the 1hr. Ozone Air Quality Objective (82 ppb) was Exceeded at Selected Cities (1987 - 1992)

...and in Manitoba

Ground-level ozone in Manitoba is measured in urban areas like Winnipeg and Brandon. Ozone concentrations at these sites do sometimes surpass Manitoba s provincial objective for air quality. However, the frequency is well below that encountered in Canada s problem areas. In fact, Manitoba has experienced a decrease in annual ozone concentrations over the last few years. Nevertheless, with population and automobile emissions on the rise, action must be taken now to avoid increasing ozone levels in the future.

Working together to reduce smog…

The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME)

The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) is the major intergovernmental forum in Canada for discussion and action on environmental issues of national and global concern.

CCME is made up of environment ministers from each of the 10 provinces, the two territories and the federal government. Its work is aimed at developing a consistent and co-ordinated approach among governments to battling environmental problems.

The CCME NOx/VOC Management Plan

Recognizing the seriousness of the smog problem in Canada, the CCME developed a plan for the management of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) - the two families of pollutants responsible for the formation of smog at ground level.

The plan's overall goal is to meet Canada s Maximum Acceptable Air Quality Objective for ozone in all areas of the country by the year 2005. This objective has been set at 82 parts per billion (ppb) - one of the most stringent in the world.

Since Manitoba is not considered one of Canada s problem areas for smog, no specific corrective measures to improve air quality are proposed under the management plan. However, the preventative actions suggested by the plan apply to Manitoba to ensure smog does not become a problem here in the future.

Across Canada

Alberta

From March to May 1993, and again in 1994, the City of Calgary was home to the first voluntary vehicle emissions testing program in the country. SMOG FREE, an acronym for Save Money On Gas From Reduced Exhaust Emissions, offered free emissions tests at automotive service centres across Calgary. For each car tested, owners were given a book of coupons, known as "Smog Free Bucks", for discounts on products, repairs and services.

British Columbia

B.C s GO GREEN Campaign aims to increase recognition of the problems associated with automobile emissions and increase awareness of transportation alternatives.

AirCare, a program requiring that vehicles undergo yearly emission inspection and maintenance, began in the fall of 1992. The only such program in Canada made mandatory, AirCare will significantly reduce levels of NOx, VOC and carbon monoxide released by automobiles.

Manitoba

Every summer, the Manitoba Lung Association promotes healthier ways to improve air quality during CLEAN AIR WEEK by encouraging the public to walk, cycle and take public transit. A variety of activities take place, from outdoor concerts and tree planting to Take a Breather Day, where individuals and corporations alike are challenged to leave their cars at home and get to work using alternative forms of transportation.

Ontario

In June 1993, Pollution Probe staged their Clean Air Campaign to raise understanding of environmental and health problems associated with smog. The one-month crusade featured displays, speeches and several events such as the Earth Festival, a celebration of nature through the arts; Earthwalk, a fund-raiser for non-profit environment groups; and the Clean Air Commute, a call for communities all across Ontario to use transportation methods other than the car.

Ontario dry-cleaners are sending employees back to school to learn more about safe solvent use. The new "environmental management" course forms part of a comprehensive program aiming to reduce VOC emissions from dry-cleaning facilities.

Quebec

In Quebec City, retail outlets are joining in and promoting public transit with the Carte Verte program. The program entitles consumers to discounts on a variety of goods and services if they have a current monthly bus pass.

In 1992, the Regroupement montr‚ alais pour la qualit‚ de l air was formed to rally Montreal residents in the fight against smog. As automobiles are the primary source of NOx and VOC emissions in Montreal, the program targets public action to improve air quality through transportation initiatives such as corporate carpooling, air quality awards, information sessions and publicity campaigns.

Saskatchewan

SaskPower's Shand power plant was named one of the top six power plants in Canada and the U.S. in 1993. The station is the first to meet Environment Canada s new emissions standards for NOx.

Across Manitoba

Free vehicle emissions testing clinics were conducted jointly by governments, the Lung Association, service stations and mechanics during 1993 s Environment Week. The clinics were designed to bring attention to automobile emissions as a source of air pollution and the benefits of driving a properly tuned car. Vehicle owners could also have their lung capacity tested while they participated in the clinic.

The City of Winnipeg Transit System has conducted advertising campaigns promoting public transportation as a way to reduce air pollution arising from the use of the car. The "On Route to a Cleaner Environment" promotion highlighted emission reductions per person by comparing a bus full of riders to the same number of single-passenger cars.

The Province of Manitoba supports a renewable fuels industry by giving tax concessions to alternate fuels such as gasohol. Gasohol is formed from the mixture of ethanol and regular gasoline, which lowers harmful exhaust emissions. These environmental benefits make gasohol an attractive alternate fuel for vehicles.

What you can do to reduce smog...

Become travel smart

Walk, cycle, use public transportation or carpool whenever possible. One busload of passengers removes 40 vehicles from the road, saves 70,000 litres of fuel and avoids nine tonnes of air pollutants a year.
Share rides. Two people in a vehicle cuts the fuel consumption per person in half.
Drive at moderate speeds. Optimum fuel economy for most vehicles is between50 to 70 km/hr. Reducing speed from 100 to 80 km/hr reduces fuel consumption by 15 to 20 percent.
Roll up your windows on the highway to avoid increased fuel consumption and wind resistance. Open vents instead for a breath of fresh air.
Keep your car in top condition by following the maintenance recommendations in your owner s manual. A sluggish engine can suck up to 10 percent more fuel.
Keep your tires properly inflated. Tire drag due to under-inflation increases consumption by 4 to 8 percent.

Around the home

When renovating, think green. Energy-efficient windows, solar hot water systems and better weather stripping and caulking will help you save energy, money and the environment.
Cool your home in summer with fans, an environmentally sound alternative to air conditioners. Using awnings and blinds helps reduce heat gain through windows. Trees planted on the south side of the house can also provide shade from the hot summer sun.
Switch to fluorescent or energy-saving incandescent light bulbs. This lighting helps reduce emissions that contribute to smog - particularly if electricity comes from coal or oil-burning stations.
Everyday items like oil-based paints, household cleaners and personal care products may contain VOC-emitting solvents. If you must use solvents, follow directions, use only what you need and dispose of them with care. Leftover paint should be taken to a household hazardous waste depot or given to someone who can use it.

Shop wisely

Reducing energy and making wise buying decisions both contribute to cleaner air. The following tips should help you make smog-smart buying decisions when shopping:

When purchasing a home, choose an energy-efficient model like the R-2000 home.
Alternative fuels - propane, natural gas and ethanol - are a good choice if available in your area. Ask your local gas utility or auto propane dealer for more information.
If you re buying a new car, a fuel-efficient model will reduce emissions by consuming less gas. Transport Canada and Natural Resources Canada publish a Fuel Consumption Guide every year which can be picked up at any provincial/territorial motor vehicle license agency.
Purchase a car with a standard transmission. Driven properly, standard transmission cars use less fuel than automatics.
When choosing appliances, the most energy-efficient models can be selected with the help of the EnerGuide label - the lower the rating, the less energy that appliance uses.
Alternatives to solvent-rich products, such as water-based paints, have been available for some time and should be used instead. With the help of the EcoLogo, consumers can now choose paints and other products that are considered to have less environmental impact.

INFORMATION BULLETIN: No. 95-18E
Manitoba Environment
May 1995

Pollution Prevention (P2) Branch