Pollution Facts [2 of 6]

Between 40 and 50% of all microscopic particle matter inhaled is not breathed out again, but is retained in the lungs and can easily enter the bloodstream. These particles are not only found in the air along our streets, but they are circulated by ventilation systems inside buildings and vehicles. British studies found the particulate lodged in the lung tissues of infants and young children.

Canadians burn 38 billion litres of gasoline in private and fleet vehicles annually, more than 1,200 litres for each pair of lungs! And pollution from motor vehicles is not going down despite advances in emission control. More vehicles on the road each day mean more traffic congestion. Spending more time stuck in traffic means increased fuel consumption and more emissions. Moreover, the average fuel efficiency of the North American automobile fleet has been on the decline lately due to skyrocketing sales of light trucks, vans and sport-utility vehicles.

A growth in fossil fuel consumption of some 40% is projected across Canada over the next 25 years.

It is now known that the health effects of ground level ozone, commonly known as smog, are much worse than previously estimated. Coping with pollution places such stress on the body, particularly on the heart and lungs, that it can trigger erratic pulse and heart rates, severe asthma attacks, pneumonia and a general weakening of the body's immune defenses.

Pollutants in our air are directly responsible for over 16,000 premature deaths in Canada every year. At least 350 people die in the Edmonton area annually as a result of polluted air. This is more than 14 times the number of people that are killed each year in local traffic accidents.