Air

Last updated on July 18, 2023

Air quality has a direct impact on the health of humans and the environment. Learn how different emissions affect air quality, how B.C. measures and monitors air quality, and how we can make healthy air choices.

Pollution sources

Air pollution can have local and regional impacts, such as ground-level ozone and wood smoke. It can also have wide-reaching, global effects, such as climate change and depletion of the ozone layer. Air pollutants can be visible (for example, the brownish-yellow colour of smog) or invisible.

Air quality data

What is the air like today?

Good air quality refers to clean, clear, unpolluted air. Air quality assessment involves a number of components from across the province that provide up-to-date monitoring data that may affect health or the environment.

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Air quality management

Air quality management refers to all activities related to improving air quality, and protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of air pollution. These include:

  • Establishing goals using air quality objectives and standards
  • Conducting air quality assessments through dispersion modelling

Taking action to reduce air pollution improves the health of the province’s citizens, addresses the government’s air quality targets, preserves our environment and enhances our economic competitiveness.

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​Reports and publications

This section provides a comprehensive listing of all digital air quality reports produced by the Province. Reports may be searched for by topic of interest or geographic region.

Smoke forecasts

Visit FireSmoke Canada for up-to-date forecast information.

Air quality news and updates

Subscribe to our email list to receive notifications when new information is posted on the B.C. Air Quality website and news relevant to air quality management.

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