Poor outdoor air quality poses a significant risk to public health in Halton Region and in many other communities in southern Ontario. It does not matter who you are, where you live or the state of your health, the quality of the air you breathe each day affects you. 

• What are the major sources of air pollution in Halton?
• How is air quality impacted by growth in Halton?
• What is the Region doing to address air quality and health impacts associated with growth?
• What else is the Health Department doing to improve air quality?
• What is the Region doing to reduce its Greenhouse Gases and promote sustainability?
• What can I do to reduce air pollution and lessen climate change?

What are the major sources of air pollution in Halton?

• Transboundary air pollution: pollutants emitted in the United States.
• Transportation: on-road vehicles and off-road equipment.
• Fuel consumption: for heating air and water in buildings and electricity generation.
• Industrial and Commercial sources.
• Open sources: road dust and general solvent use.

Several of these sources are also the most significant sources of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

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How is air quality impacted by growth in Halton?

• With the growth expected in Halton Region over the next 25 years, there will be increasing stresses on local air quality as new vehicles, homes and workplaces are introduced to the community. 

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What is the Region doing to address air quality and health impacts associated with growth?

• The Health Department is developing an air quality program that is directed at community emissions.
• This program includes:
  • air monitoring
  • airshed modelling
  • policy development directed at the planning and development processes
  • health promotion directed at air quality and climate change as they relate to the built environment

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 What else is the Health Department doing to improve air quality?

In addition to the new air quality program activities, the Health Department:

• Implements a Smog Alert , Heat Alert and Cold Alert notification program.
• Facilitates the Halton Partners for Clean Air.
• Participates in the GTA Clean Air Council  and 20/20 Way to Clean Air  partnerships.
• Promotes a number of air quality programs such as:
  • Turn Your Engine Off (anti-idling)
  • Burn it Smart (wood burning)
  • 20/20 Way to Clean Air (energy reduction)

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What is the Region doing to reduce its Greenhouse Gases and promote sustainability?

• Halton Region has undertaken a number of corporate and community initiatives that have the potential to reduce emissions of air pollutants as well as greenhouse gases.
• View a listing of Region Initiatives for Improving Air Quality and Reducing Impact on Climate Change.

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What can I do to reduce air pollution and lessen climate change?

• Learn how you can take action to help reduce air pollution and lessen climate change

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Related Links

• 20/20 The Way to Clean Air 
  The Clean Air Partnership (CAP)
• Air Quality & Health 
  Environment Canada
• Air Quality Health Index 
  Environment Canada
• Outdoor Air Quality 
  Health Canada
• Air Quality Ontario 
  Ministry of the Environment
• GTA's one stop shop for information on clean air action 
  Clean Air Online
• Working with Partners to achieve clean air 
  Clean Air Partnership

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