Air pollution = disease, death

Gatineau’s air quality among the worst in the province

The air quality in Gatineau is among the worst in the province according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report published in mid-May.

Gatineau, a city within a flat river valley and the fourth largest metropolis in Quebec, is tied with five others as having the third-worst air quality in the province.

To measure Gatineau’s pollution levels, the WHO used 2013 data from one National Air Pollution Surveillance Network (NAPS) station.

Established in 1969, NAPS’ goal is to provide long-term air quality data. The network monitors and assesses the quality of outdoor air in Canada’s populated areas.

The WHO measures ambient air pollution via “high concentrations of small and fine particulate matter.” These pollutants include sulfates, nitrates and black carbon.

According to the WHO, “as urban air quality declines, the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma, increases for the people who live in them.”

"Air pollution is a major cause of disease and death. It is good news that more cities are stepping up to monitor air quality, so they have a benchmark for their actions," said Dr Flavia Bustreo, WHO Assistant-Director General, Family, Women and Children's Health. "When dirty air blankets our cities, the most vulnerable urban populations—the youngest, oldest and poorest—are the most affected."