Air quality in Burnaby

What is the air quality index of Burnaby?

Burnaby is a city in British Columbia, Canada and forms part of Metro Vancouver and is located to the east of the City of Vancouver. In 2016 it had an estimated population of 232,755 people.

At the start of 2021, Burnaby was enjoying a period of “Good” quality air with a US AQI figure of just 21. This classification is in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The concentration levels of the pollutants were as follows: PM2.5 - 3 µg/m³, PM10 - 8.3 µg/m³, ozone (O₃) - 50.2 µg/m³, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) - 18.7 µg/m³, sulphur dioxide (SO₂) - 0.7 µg/m³ and carbon monoxide (CO) - 217.3 µg/m³. With relatively low levels such as these, doors and windows can be opened to let in the fresh air and any type of outdoor activity can be enjoyed without fear or worry.

Does the level of air quality differ in Burnaby throughout the year?

Towards the end of the summer months, smoke from wildfires from the USA pollutes the atmosphere over Burnaby. Sometimes the effect passes very quickly, but depending on the prevailing winds, it can last for several weeks. Residents are urged to take precautions when venturing outside, which sometimes is necessary.

What is the main source of air pollution in Burnaby?

It would seem that one of the main sources of air pollution in Burnaby is from wildfires in neighbouring regions. All six of Burnaby’s air monitoring stations showed readings of 10+ on the health index, according to Metro Vancouver’s air map. (The higher the number, the greater the risk of health problems associated with air quality; a 10+ is the highest possible risk.)

Fine particles of PM2.5 and PM10, which are linked to forest fires in south-eastern British Columbia, can irritate the lungs and pose a risk to well-being. Burnaby North had the highest concentration of fine particles in the region, i.e. 112 µg/m³ an amount lower than that of Beijing (144 µg/m³) but higher than in Paris (56 µg/m³).

Under these circumstances, the advice is to stay in cool, air-conditioned environments, especially during the afternoon and evening when ozone levels are at the highest. Reduce indoor sources of pollution (such as smoking and vacuuming) and run an air cleaner. Some room air cleaners, such as those with HEPA filters, can help reduce indoor particulate levels.

As in all major cities, another considerable source of air pollution comes from vehicles and industrial emissions. Being located adjacent to Vancouver, many people will choose to live here as opposed to living in Vancouver where house prices are more expensive. Because the well-paid jobs are in the city, Burnaby residents commute to the office on a daily basis. Most still enjoy the convenience of having their own vehicle as it is so much more convenient than public transport. Not only does the exhaust fumes add to the poor air quality but also the detritus from abrasion from brake shoes and tyres.

There is already an excellent public transportation system in place in Burnaby with the Sky Train rapid transit system which crosses the city from east to west in two places. There is also the Expo line which serves the southern areas of the city and the Millennium Line which follows Lougheed highway across the city. Burnaby is also served by an extensive bus network operated by Metro Vancouver and Coast Mountain Bus Company. RapidBus and TransLink also provide transportation services.

What can be done to improve the air quality in Burnaby?

Multiple regulatory agencies are involved in managing air quality related to Trans Mountain's Burnaby Terminal and Westridge Marine Terminal. With enhanced systems now in place, air pollution is not seen as a great threat to public health. At the Westridge Terminal, vapours are produced as oil is piped into the tankers before transportation. As the level rises, the vapours that were inside the tank are forced upwards and expelled.

Previously they escaped into the environment, but not now! Currently, vapours are captured and destroyed in a nearby Vapour Combustion Unit (VCU). Once here, the vapours are cooled and compressed which puts them into a state of liquefaction whereupon they can be injected back into the ship’s hold where they cannot contaminate the environment.

Similar measures have been installed at the Burnaby Terminal, in that all 13 oil storage tanks are fitted with filters which remove most of the odours produced.

Emissions inspections are used to solve air-quality problems and meet goals for improvement. Because vehicles are a major source of pollution, many areas are trying to cut down as much as possible by requiring emissions inspections. These inspections help by serving as an effective means of protecting the environment and improving air quality. Because emissions inspections are required in many places, drivers can be fined for driving a vehicle that either has not had or has failed to pass an emissions inspection. As such, motorists are encouraged to look up the emissions inspection laws of the state or province they reside in and make plans to visit an emissions inspection station before they start their journey.

The goal of the inspection is to preserve the ecosystem and improve air quality. The emissions inspection requires an extensive investigation of multiple parts of the vehicle to ensure that everything is up to the acceptable standard, including the amount of emissions produced, the gas tank and gas cap, and an overall visual inspection amongst other things. If any part of the vehicle fails the inspection regulations, that part will need to be replaced or repaired before the vehicle can be legally driven.

What are the effects of breathing Burnaby’s poor quality air?

Wildfires have become a very common occurrence during the summer months which results in poorer quality air.

Air quality affects everybody but has a much greater impact on those with pre-existing medical conditions.

People with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, as well as pregnant women, infants, young children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the impact of smoke and therefore need to take extra care. Depending on the weather conditions, these smoky conditions can last for several weeks.

Symptoms such as of shortness of breath, severe cough, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations can occur due to smoky conditions. If they persist, a visit to the doctor would be recommended.