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Welcome to the AirCare news release archive. The AirCare program regularly sends press releases to keep our stakeholders, the media and the public up-to-date on general AirCare information.
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Region Faces Future Air Pollution Challenges
(Aug-19-2003)
There have been some successes in the fight against air pollution. More efficient cars, new emissions technology, AirCare and many other programs designed to reduce pollution are working, but we can’t sit on those laurels. According to a report by the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) and the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), air emissions are expected to increase.
The study entitled ‘Forecast and Backcast of the 2000 Emission Inventory for the Lower Fraser Valley Airshed 1985-2025’ shows common air contaminants were reduced by 40% in the period from 1985 to 2000. Common air contaminants include Carbon Monoxide (CO), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), Volatile Organic Compounds (reactive hydrocarbons), Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Total Particulate Matter (PM).
CO and NOx, along with Hydrocarbons (HC) are regulated and tested for by the AirCare program. Diesel vehicles receive an opacity test – an indicator of Fine Particulate Matter. All four are found in vehicle emissions and are associated with significant health problems:
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Elevated exposure to CO can reduce the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the heart, brain, and other tissues, resulting in impaired performance, respiratory failure, and even death.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
NOx can irritate the lungs and lower resistance to respiratory infections. Under certain weather conditions, NOx can also react with other chemicals to form ground-level ozone, acid rain, and secondary particulate matter.
Hydrocarbons (HC)
Reactive hydrocarbons contribute to low-level ozone, a component of smog, and are a respiratory irritant. Some are toxic.
Fine Particulate Matter (PM)
Particulates penetrate the lungs, and are associated with respiratory ailments like asthma, chronic bronchitis, cancer, and even death. Particulates are also a principal component of smog.
In its’ first ten years, from 1992-2002, the AirCare program reduced total vehicle emissions by 35% for a total reduction of 731,890 tonnes of CO, NOx and HC.
Despite successes in the fight against air pollution, the report notes that recent reductions in vehicle emissions are likely to be offset by increased emissions from marine vessels, solvent evaporation and agricultural activities. Growth in the local vehicle fleet will also have an impact on the increase in total vehicle emissions.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are showing a steady increase and light-duty cars and trucks and space heating (buildings) are the primary culprits. Although AirCare was originally designed to reduce common air contaminants like CO, HC and NOx, it can claim a coincidental GHG reduction resulting from improved fuel efficiency as a result of effective repairs to failed vehicles. Although this total GHG reduction may be small, it’s a step in the right direction.
Ultimately, individuals can make choices that have a significant effect on local air quality. Driving smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles, walking, taking transit, carpooling and other environmentally friendly choices means we can all make a difference in the air we breathe.
To view the full GVRD/FVRD report go to the Metro Vancouver website, and search for ‘Emission Inventory Forecast’. To get more information about the AirCare program, visit the site at www.aircare.ca
For more information, contact:
Rashpal Rai
Public Relations
Envirotest Canada, contractor for AirCare
Rashpal.Rai@bc.etest.com
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