Particulate Matter and Ozone Management Framework

Smog is an air quality issue in Alberta, across Canada, and around the world. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and Ozone (O3) are two principal components of smog. In June, 2000, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment established the Canada-wide Standards for Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone.

The CASA (Clean Air Strategic Alliance) Particulate Matter and Ozone Management Framework is Alberta's commitment to achieve Canada-wide Standard levels by the 2010 target date. Under the Particulate Matter and Ozone Management Framework, Alberta Environment performs annual assessments of PM2.5 and ozone. These assessments follow the procedures set out by the CASA Framework and Canada-wide Standards. In these assessments, Alberta Environment assigned action levels to some areas of the province, and these areas have developed management plans accordingly.

Fine particulate matter defined

This term refers to particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter. For reference, the diameter of human hair is approximately 70 micrometres. These fine particles are small enough to penetrate the lungs and, depending on their composition, can pose a human health concern. Vehicles, industry, forest fires and domestic wood-burning fireplaces are all sources of fine particulate matter.

Ozone defined

This major component of summer-time smog is produced by several atmospheric processes. In hot weather, chemical emissions from automobiles, industry and other non-natural sources can lead to high ozone levels, especially near urban areas. Also, high ozone levels can result from natural processes that bring additional ozone from Earth's "ozone rich" upper atmosphere to the surface. Chemical reactions involving organic compounds given off by vegetation are another, natural, cause of increased ozone levels.

Alberta PM and Ozone Assessments

Summary of documents related to PM and ozone management in Alberta

For more information, call (780) 427-5200.