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For Life and Breath
Path to Healthier Air: Toronto Air Pollution Burden of Illness Update
Stephanie GowerToronto Public Health
Co-authors: Ronald Macfarlane, Marco Belmont, Kate Bassil, Monica Campbell
May 1, 2014
Toronto and Toronto Public Health
• Toronto Public Health is the largest local public health agency in Canada
• Mandate: programs and services that contribute to the health and well-being of residents
What has changed in 10 years?
Today2004
Health Impacts of Air Pollution
• Air pollution in Toronto from all sources currently gives rise to 1,300 premature deaths and 3,550 hospitalizations annually
• This represents a decrease of 23% in premature deaths and 41% in hospitalizations as compared with 2004 estimates
Health Impacts of Local Air Pollution
• Traffic is the most significant local source of air pollution and resulting burden of illness
• Other sources also contribute to the overall burden of illness from air pollution
Prepared by: Toronto Public Health
Premature Deaths
Hospitalizations
Pyramid of Health Effects from Traffic-Related Air Pollution
Toronto Air Quality Over Time
• Most pollutants show steady decline since 2000
• Levels since 2009 have stagnated or may be increasing
Annual Average SO2 Annual average NO2
Annual average CO
Annual average PM2.5
Annual average O3
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Actions make a Difference
Photo: Hmvh1
Canada-Wide Standards for
Particulate Matter and
Ozone
Commuting Trends
Active Transportation
Heavy Truck Emissions
Highways
• Nitrogen Oxide levels across Toronto are especially high near major highways
Energy Efficiency
Photos:
Andreas MeckGigantichoundSimonP
• Emissions related to natural gas combustion are related to about 28% of premature deaths and 20% of hospitalizations arising from air pollution emitted with Toronto's borders
Industrial Emissions
• Air pollution from large industries contributes to 18% of premature deaths and 10% of hospitalizations from air pollution emitted within Toronto
Local Variation in Air Quality
• Burden of illness numbers are averages for Toronto
• Air Monitoring and Air Modelling are tools that can help provide information at the neighbourhood scale Photo: Martin Cathrae
Key Policy Recommendations
• Ontario to fund municipal transit and active transportation infrastructure to reduce air pollution emissions in Toronto and the GTHA;
• ensure that all Metrolinx "Big Move" projects incorporate safe infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists to encourage travel that reduces air pollution emissions;
• the City of Toronto develop an urban freight strategy to improve efficiency and co-ordination of heavy-duty vehicles which often have high emissions;
• the City of Toronto explore design solutions to mitigate impacts of highway emissions on nearby residential areas;
• improve access to air monitoring equipment that can measure air pollution levels on and near roads by sharing costs with neighbouring municipalities and the provincial government.
Next Steps
• City Council May 6-7 2014
• Provincial Election?
