Nearly a third of Canadians exposed to vehicle pollutants: study

Almost 30 per cent of Canadians live within 250 metres of a major road and so, are exposed to ‘a soup of pollutants’ which are associated with health problems like asthma, cancer and cardiovascular death, say researchers at the University of Toronto.

Cold temperatures exacerbate pollution problem

A new study found that emissions from traffic can greatly increase concentrations of key air pollutants and diesel-powered trucks are particularly big emitters. It seems Canada’s cold winters can decrease the efficiency of devices to reduce truck emissions. And low temperatures can increase the concentrations of pollutants.

While there are better pollution controls on what comes out of the tailpipes of non-commercial vehicles, more people are driving trucks and SUVs. These are heavier and take more energy to stop thus emitting more brake and tire dust.

Morning rush hour said to be worst

Professor Greg Evans who led the study says the soup of pollutants includes nitrogen oxides, ultrafine particles, black carbon, metals, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These affect air quality near busy roads, especially during morning rush hour. 

People who spend a lot of time near roads like drivers, workers and residents are more exposed to diesel exhaust which Evans notes is a recognized human carcinogen. There is no standard for exposure to diesel exhaust in Canada.

Researchers are calling for more study and new stations across Canada to monitor air pollution.

The two-year study was conducted in Toronto and Vancouver by the University of Toronto in collaboration with the Canadian and Ontario governments’ environment departments, and the city of Vancouver.