(MERAF) for the Base Metals Smelting Sector - CCME

strong surrogate for fine particles from combustion sources, appears to have as
strong or stronger association than PM 2.5 with increased mortality and
hospitalizations 9 .
The 1999 Science Assessment Document on National Ambient Air Quality
Objectives for Ground-Level Ozone reports that exposure to ground-level ozone
is strongly linked to mortality, respiratory hospitalizations and visits to emergency
departments. The controlled human exposure studies reviewed, identified a
dose-response relationship between ozone and lung function changes,
symptoms and inflammation. Other studies identified that patients with preexisting
lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases
(COPD), etc.) are more susceptible to ozone-induced health effects than healthy
people. Emerging evidence suggests that long term exposure to ambient ozone
could be of public health and economic concern 10 .
Environment Canada’s Green Lane, provides a concise synopsis of the health
effects of PM and ozone as follows:
“Airborne particles that are small enough to be inhaled can also have a
significant effect on health. Those sensitive to ozone are also sensitive to
airborne particles – people who already suffer from heart or lung disease,
children and the elderly. Of greatest health concern are very fine particles
that can penetrate deeply into the lungs and interfere with the functioning
of the respiratory system. These fine particles have been linked to
increases in asthma symptoms, hospital admissions and even premature
mortality.
Ground-level ozone affects the body's respiratory system and causes
inflammation of the airways that can persist for up to 18 hours after
exposure ceases. It can cause coughing, wheezing and chest tightness.
It can also aggravate existing heart and lung conditions. There is
evidence that exposure heightens the sensitivity of asthmatics to
allergens” 11 .
For a more in-depth review and discussion of the health effects of air pollution,
visit Health Canada’s website at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
9 CEPA/FPAC Working Group on Air Quality Objectives. National Ambient Air Quality Objectives
for Particulate Matter - Executive Summary. Part 1: Science Assessment Document. Minister of
Public Works and Government Services. Cat. No. H46-2/98-220. 1998.
10 Federal-Provincial Working Group on Air Quality Objectives and Guidelines. National Ambient
Air Quality Objectives for Ground-Level Ozone - Summary Science Assessment Document. Cat.
No. En42-17/7-2-1999. July 1999.
11 Environment Canada. Smog and Your Health. Last updated 2001/08/01. URL:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/air/health_e.shtml
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