Health Effects Reading Room
The effects that air pollutants have on human health are significant, and the scientific evidence from epidemiologists and health researchers is showing that for some pollutants, there are no “safe” concentrations in the air. This research also shows that as concentrations increase, negative health impacts increase, but conversely, for every small improvement we make, there are health benefits.
In 2003, the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer’s Report showed that for every 1 microgram per cubic meter reduction in ambient particulate matter concentrations (PM2.5), that 49 deaths per year could be delayed in the Greater Vancouver region alone. The report also estimated the number of emergency room visits per year attributable to air pollution in B.C. at approximately 1000.
Click here to find the Provincial Health Officer’s Report on Air Quality.
The vast amount of air pollution and health research available on the internet can be overwhelming. For this reason, we guide you to a few key sites if you are interested in the latest research on Health Effects. All of these sites are from Health and Air Pollution experts in southern B.C. and the Pacific Northwest.
BC State of the Air Report 2009 View Site |
| Clean Air On-line Health PageView Site |
| Border Air Quality StudyView Site |
| Northwest Center for Particulate Matter and HealthView Site |