(MERAF) for the Base Metals Smelting Sector - CCME

1. Introduction
The purpose of the report is to provide technical feasibility studies of emission
reduction options and costs, and economic profiles of the Canadian Base Metals
Smelting sector, as input into development of sectoral actions in jurisdictional
plans.
1.1. Background
Air pollution affects the health of all Canadians, especially children and the
elderly. A major air pollution concern is ‘smog’.
‘Smog’ refers to a noxious mixture of air pollutants that can often be seen as a
haze in the air 1 . The two main ingredients in smog that are known to affect
human health are ground-level ozone and fine airborne particles. Other smog
pollutants of concern are nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide.
The source of these pollutants include fossil fuel burning, industrial and vehicle
emissions, road dust, agriculture, construction, and wood burning, among
others 2 .
Studies from the Toronto Public Health Department, Government of Canada and
Ontario Medical Association all demonstrate the potential impacts of air pollution
on health 3 . Research studies worldwide, including from Health Canada, have
demonstrated that air pollution can lead to premature death, increased hospital
admissions, more emergency room visits and higher rates of absenteeism 4 .
Exposure to smog can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, it can
worsen existing heart and lung problems, and in extreme cases it can result in an
early death 5 .
Environment Canada and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment
(CCME) are committed to addressing particulate matter and ground-level ozone.
The implementation of the Canada-US Air Quality Agreement Ozone Annex and
Canada-wide Standards for Particulate Matter and Ozone, among other
initiatives, will contribute toward reducing ambient levels of particulate matter and
ground-level ozone.
It should also be emphasized that both gaseous and particulate releases from
the Base Metals Smelting Sector involve substances which have been declared
toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), and therefore
1 Environment Canada. What is Smog?. Last updated 2001/08/01. URL:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/air/smog_e.shtml
2 Health Canada. It’s Your Health - Smog. Last updated 2001/11/30. URL: http://www.hcsc.gc.ca/english/iyh/smog.htm
3 Environment Canada. Health (Air Pollution). Last updated 2001/08/01. URL:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/air/health_e.shtml
4 Health Canada. Air Health Effects. URL: http://ww.hc-sc.gc.ca/air
5 Health Canada. It’s Your Health - Smog. Last updated 2001/11/30. URL: http://www.hcsc.gc.ca/english/iyh/smog.htm
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