Clean air strategy

In 2007, open burning and residential wood burning were identified as the main sources of air pollution in our local area.

In 2015, a collaborative Clean Air Strategy was implemented, which set out strategies and actions to take in our region.

Although the air quality in the Central Okanagan is generally good, a recent PM2.5 Study in the Central Okanagan showed specific neighbourhoods may reach higher concentrations of particulate matter due to local wood burning sources and vehicle emissions.

What can I do to reduce air pollution?

Air pollutants

Smoke from residential wood burning appliances, open burning, vehicle emissions and road dust are significant sources of particulate matter. Particulate matter are tiny particles, not visible by the naked eye, but are the most serious air pollutant in British Columbia. They are inhaled deep into lungs and enter the blood stream which can lead to serious health impacts on organs such as the heart.

The main sources of pollution in the Central Okanagan are:

Particulate Matter
Greenhouse Gases
Volatile Organic Compounds
Ground-level Ozone
NO₂

Indoor air quality

As people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, the quality of the indoor environment is an important consideration for health. Indoor environments can be contaminated by chemical and organic pollutants that migrate from outdoors or that result from gas stoves and other indoor sources, such as building materials, pets, radon, and environmental tobacco smoke.

Indoor air contaminants are pollutants that are present in the air and can put your health at risk. There are 3 main types of indoor air contaminants:

Biological pollutants from living organisms like:
- Mould and fungi
- Bacteria (such as legionella)
- House dust mites
- Pollen and spores (known as aeroallergens)
Chemical Pollutants are gases, vapours and particles:
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Formaldehyde
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Ozone
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Dust or particles (particulate matter)
Radiological pollutants are radioactive substances:
- Radon

Improve indoor air quality

Get active

Choose active transportation like walking, cycling and public transit. Check the smartTRIPS website for more information.

Small engines are big polluters

Gas lawnmowers and other small engines are responsible for creating some of the worst air pollutants

The best thing to do is to replace your gas equipment with electric or human-powered machines

If you are not able to replace your equipment, be careful when using it

Exercise caution to avoid spilling fuel, keep your equipment properly maintained and use alternatives whenever possible

Be sure to recycle your old equipment, too

Home heating and energy use

Reducing home heating and energy use will save you money and help reduce air pollution. Rebates on efficient upgrades are available from Fortis and BC Hydro.

Wood heating

If you burn wood to heat your home, ensure you are burning it properly. It is illegal to burn anything other than untreated, seasoned (dry) wood. Check out the woodstove exchange program and wood burning best practices for videos and great advice on woodstove use.

If you burn wood to heat your home, ensure you are burning it properly. It is illegal to burn anything other than untreated, seasoned (dry) wood. Check out our wood heating page and the Burn it Smart Online Tool for videos and great advice on woodstove use.

Dust control

Dust is Particulate Matter (PM) which come primarily from the soil. It is suspended in the air by wind action and human activities and can travel 100-1000m affecting everyone's health. You can keep it under control by simply applying a bit of water while sweeping outside. Do your part and your family and neighbours will breathe better.

Avoid toxic chemicals

Get a quick glimpse of some of the most important ways to protect the air in your home by touring the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) House.

Choose green products and alternatives:

Household products ranging from new carpets to air fresheners to cleaning products can contain toxic chemicals that negatively impact indoor air quality and affect your health
Use vinegar and baking soda to clean; vinegar is an excellent all-purpose cleaner while baking soda works well to scrub and deodorize surfaces
The Canadian EcoLogo (also known as Environmental Choice) helps identify products and services that have been independently certified to meet strict environmental standards that reflect their entire life cycle
EcoCert, GREENGUARD, Green Seal are other logos to look for when selecting products

Volatile organic compounds (VOC):

VOCs are primary reason ground level ozone and particulate matter forms, and are the main ingredients of smog
Smog is known to have adverse effects on human health and the environment.
VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products
Check the main sources of VOCs in the Central Okanagan main sources of VOCs in the Central Okanagan
Dispose or recycle products containing VOCs by learning about key recycling practices

Radon gas:

Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking
Radon is a naturally occurring gas found in the ground throughout the world
Most homes that are in contact with the ground will contain some amount of radon gas
The only way to know the level of radon is to test for radon in indoor places
Learn more about radon testing

For information on indoor air pollutants see the EPA guide to indoor air quality. You can also access important information about indoor quality at Interior Health.