The B.C. government has invested $100,000 into a BC Lung Association public education campaign that uses the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to better inform British Columbians about air pollution levels, Environment Minister Barry Penner said today.
?Here in British Columbia we enjoy some of the best air quality in the world, but summer heat can contribute to conditions that can create trouble spots,? said Penner.
?This campaign is of particular importance to anyone with respiratory problems or a heart condition. Supporting the BC Lung Association is one of several ways government is working to improve our air and our health.?
The AQHI began as a pilot project carried out in partnership with the BC Lung Association, Environment Canada, the Greater Vancouver Regional District, the Interior Health Authority and participating municipal governments. The AQHI provides daily forecasts on air quality similar to the UV index and is presently monitoring eight B.C. communities. Visit http://airplaytoday.org/ to view current conditions.
?It’s regrettable that we’re in the position to require such an index, but the AQHI is a very important tool,? said BC Lung Association executive director Scott McDonald. ?Even people who don?t normally have difficulty breathing can find themselves affected by poorer air quality on particularly hot, humid summer days.?
British Columbia?s Air Quality Health Index, the first of its kind in Canada, was recently recognized by the B.C. Medical Association with its annual Excellence in Health Promotion Award. The awards recognize leadership and creativity in health promotion and positive, long-term advances for health and safety in B.C.
The B.C. government has taken a number of measures to safeguard the quality of British Columbia?s air. In addition to providing a $2,000 PST rebate on hybrid vehicle purchases, tax incentives have been established for the use of biodiesel and the B.C. government has committed to hybrid vehicles for all future passenger vehicle fleet rentals and purchases.
More recently, the Ministry of Environment tightened emission standards for on-road, heavy duty diesel vehicles. Diesel oxidation catalyst filters will be mandatory for all 1989-1993 models and operators must comply by 2009. This measure alone will reduce particulate matter pollution by 60 tonnes per year.
World Health Organization scientists estimate that urban, outdoor air pollution causes or contributes to 800,000 deaths per year, or 1.4 per cent of all deaths worldwide.