WCAS monitors 8 air quality parameters in our airshed region.
Click below to learn more about these parameters and how they relate to clean air.
Click below to learn more about these parameters and how they relate to clean air.
Sulphur dioxide is generated both naturally and anthropogenically (man-made), including the processing and combustion of fossil fuels containing sulphur. It is a colourless gas with a pungent odour (similar to a lit match), and can be detected by taste and odour at concentrations as low as 300 ppb. Sulphur dioxide reacts in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid and acidic aerosols, which contribute to acid rain (accounts for about 70% of the total acid rain generate). Sulphur dioxide combines with other atmospheric gases to produce fine particles, which may reduce visibility. Brief exposure to high concentrations of sulphur dioxide and its products can produce human health effects, irritating the upper respiratory tract and aggravating existing cardiac and respiratory disease. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory disease.
Ground-level ozone is formed by photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. It mainly comes from vehicle and industrial emissions in urban centres. It can be a major component of smog during the summer, especially during hot sunny weather, and is generally low in the winter. Ozone can be transported long distances and can be responsible for large regional air pollution episodes.
PM10 size particles include windblown soil, road dust and industrial activities. PM2.5 size particles are formed from gases released to the atmosphere by combustion processes such as from motor vehicles, power plants, gas processing plants, compressor stations, household heating and forest fires. Pollen and bacteria also account for particulate matter.
Meteorological parameters measured are: