User:Anthro100/sandbox

Air, water, and soil Pollution are growing environmental issues in Canada. Pollution has posed health risks to the Canadian population and is an area of concern for Canadian lawmakers.

Air pollution
Air pollution in Canada is contributed to by industrial and vehicular emissions, agriculture, construction, wood burning and energy production. A recent report found that Canadian companies contributed 73% more to air pollution than companies in the United States. Within the 73% more emissions it was found that Canadian companies "released 79% more respiratory toxins into the air than the U.S." While Canadian companies may release more emissions than those in the U.S, overall emissions have decreased in the past few years. This can be evidenced with Environment Canada's 2010 document called Air Pollutant Emission Summaries and Historical Emission Trends This report found that 2010 emissions compared to 2009 emissions, saw a decrease. Additionally, it was found that heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (smog precursors) were at lower levels in 2010 than in 1990. While overall pollution levels have dropped, in line with high emissions caused by Canadian companies, it was found that Oil Sands pollution increased by 20% since 2009 (http://business.financialpost.com/2011/05/30/canada-leaves-out-rise-in-oilsands-pollution-from-un-report/). A projection shows that Alberta's oil sands pollution will soon create acid rain. Acid rain is rain that has been contaminated by airborne chemicals, making it acidic. Two major causes of acid rain are sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Acid rain can cause damage to soil, water, wildlife, plants and buildings, and the airborne particles that cause it can also contribute to smog. In recent years progress has been made in reducing acid rain, however, Alberta's oil sands may soon set back this progress. Eastern Canada has reduced its sulfur dioxide emissions by half since 1980, with heavy emission reductions also made in the United States, which has also contributed to Canadian air pollution. The U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement, signed on March 13, 1991, has also improved air quality by reducing sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions in both countries. The agreement was expanded in 2000 to also include goals of reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and levels of ground-level ozone. Ground-level ozone is caused by reactions between nitrogen oxides and VOCs in the presence of sunlight. Ozone is a contributor to smog and is known to cause numerous respiratory diseases.

Total sulfur dioxide emissions in Canada were 1.7 million tonnes and total nitrogen oxide emissions were 664,755 tonnes in 2008. Currently, the largest source of Canadian sulfur dioxide emissions is non-ferrous smelting and refining, at 39% of national emissions in 2008. Electric power generation accounts for 30% and the petroleum industry for 20%. Over half of the nitrogen oxide emissions came from transportation sources, with power plants contributing heavily to the remainder.

The Climate Change Accountability Act called for greenhouse gas emissions to be 25% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Although the bill was passed by the House of Commons, the bill was defeated by the Senate. Environment Minister Jim Prentice stated in early 2010 that the new goal for greenhouse gas emissions would be 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, the equivalent of a 3% increase from 1990.

Health Canada estimates that 5,900 Canadians die every year from air pollution. A 2008 study by the Canadian Medical Association estimated that almost 3,000 Canadians die annually from short-term exposure to air pollution, while another 18,000 die annually due to long-term effects of polluted air. The study estimated the economic impact of air pollution to be at $8 billion, including lost productivity, health care costs, deaths and quality of life decrease.

Water pollution
Water pollution is not a major problem nationally, although it can be a source of concern in some localities. Major causes of water pollution in Canada include acid rain, groundwater contamination and unclean wastewater. As previously stated, Alberta's oil sands are set to cause increases in acid rain, leading to contamination of water. A study at the University of Alberta found metal levels like arsenic, lead, and mercury to be considerably higher than national guidelines in water downstream from oil sand sites. This water pollution may result in harmful health implications for fish and other wildlife. The study also found that their findings were "contrary to claims made by industry and government". The Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality are guidelines for drinking water quality standards in Canada developed by Health Canada. These guidelines set forth recommendations for the maximum concentrations of various substances in drinking water. Provinces and territories are responsible for enforcing these guidelines, as there is no national regulatory body for drinking water.

Acidification of Canadian lakes and rivers, specifically those on the Canadian Shield, is causing a significant decrease in surface water calcium levels. This lower concentration of calcium is having particularly adverse effects on the Daphnia species, which is an important food source for other aquatic species. CONCERNS WITH GREAT LAKES: SEE CANADA POLLUTES MORE THAN ITS SHARE JOURNAL ARTICLE.

Soil pollution

 * Alberta tar sands
 * mines
 * landfills
 * hazardous waste&electronics

Other

 * Electronic waste by country
 * general energy efficiency
 * radiation/Radioactive waste
 * light pollution
 * Environmental implications of nanotechnology