Air Quality, Human Health & the Built Environment For Health and Social Services Committee Kim Perrotta, Senior Policy Analyst Halton Region Health Department February 27, 2007

2 Air Quality & Acute Health Impacts Hundreds of studies worldwide Whole suite of acute health impacts: –Non-traumatic deaths, hospital admissions, asthma attacks Health Canada estimates: –Air pollution in Windsor, Hamilton, Toronto & Ottawa responsible for 7% to 10% of all non-traumatic deaths

3 Air Quality & Chronic Health Impacts Long-term studies indicate that low levels of air pollution “cause” disease as well. For every 10 ug/m3 increase in PM2.5: –4% increase in deaths from all causes –6% increase in deaths - Heart Disease –8% increase in deaths - Lung Cancer 3-Fold Increase in Childhood Asthma in communities with higher air pollution.

4 Sources of Air Pollution Transboundary sources Transportation Sector Fuel Consumption –Natural Gas & Electricity Industrial/Commercial Sources Open Sources –Road Dust & Quarries & Solvents

5 Transboundary Air Pollution Ontario’s air is significantly affected by U.S. sources, particularly coal-fired power plants in the mid-western U.S. However, local emission sources also have an important impact on local air quality and health. Within the influence of Halton residents, local and regional governments

6 Transportation Sector: Major Source of Emissions Significant source of air pollutants & GHGs Traffic corridor studies - people who live beside high traffic roadways – at increased risk for acute and chronic health impacts Need to reduce VKT as well as reducing emissions from individual vehicles

7 Reduce Vehicle-Related Air Pollution Fuel & Vehicle Emission Standards Public transit within & between communities Encourage “complete communities” - walking, cycling and public transit Develop bike paths Encourage car pooling Retrofit & Refuel Fleets

8 Public Transit Improves Air Quality & Health City of Atlanta, Olympics: –Cars to Transit Strategy –Reduced weekday traffic by 22.5% –Reduce Daily Peak Ozone by 27.9% –Childhood Asthma Emergency Visits decreased by 11 to 44%

9 Complete Communities Reduce Air Emissions “Complete Neighbourhood” example: –Uptown, San Diego 340 units, 43 dwellings/acre Public transit, bike paths Few minutes to community centre & grocery stores –20% fewer smog emissions from vehicles –About 2.75 tons less per year

10 Fuel Consumption: Major Source of Emissions Natural gas for space and water heating – substantial source of air pollution & GHGs Electricity generation – significant source of air pollution & GHGs Both sources are impacted by the number, size, and design of buildings.

11 Reducing Building-Related Air Pollution EnerGuide 80 buildings use by up to 35% less energy LEED standard buildings use up to 35 to 45% less energy Co-generation – can reduce energy use by up to 50% Reduce air pollution, GHGs & fuel costs Renewable Energies – reduce emissions associated with energy use

12 Industrial, Commercial & Open Sources Regulated primarily through Province Some influence through building permit process & through CofA process Can recommend set-back distances, process changes, or mitigation measures Need information about the cumulative impacts of sources on air quality

13 Provincial Policy Statement Requires protection of human health and improvement of air quality Committed to “complete communities” Promotes alternative modes of transportation, alternative energies & energy efficiency Encourages land use patterns that minimize negative impacts on air quality and climate change

14 Regional Official Plan Committed to the overall improvement of air quality Promotes alternative forms of transportation including walking, cycling and public transportation Committed to “complete communities” that encourage live/work relationships Promotes energy efficiency and alternative energy systems

15 Assessing Air Quality Air Monitoring measures actual concentrations in air with instruments Cannot identify the contribution of different sources to local air quality Air Quality Modelling uses dispersion modelling to estimate concentrations in air Can estimate the impact of new sources and new policies on air quality

16 Recommendations Develop a community-wide air quality modelling program that can be used to assess air quality across the Region and inform land use planning. Examine the portable air monitoring equipment and/or resources that could be used to assess air quality in micro- environments & to validate modelling.

17 Recommendations Examine the policy instruments that might be used to support the development of “complete communities” that reduce reliance on automobiles. Explore the policy instruments that might be used to encourage the early application of the EnerGuide 80 standard to small residential buildings, the application of LEED TM standards to large buildings, and the use of alternative or renewable energy systems in new buildings.

18 Recommendations Develop and implement a health promotion program that educates the public about the link between air quality, human health, climate change, and the built environment, and about the actions that can be taken by individuals, organizations and governmental agencies to improve air quality and/or retard climate change.