What is PM2.5?
Particulate matter (PM) refers to small solid or liquid particles floating in the air. These particles can be made up of different substances, including carbon, sulphur, nitrogen and metal compounds.
PM2.5 refers to fine particles that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter.
Generally, fine particles like PM2.5 are more harmful to health than larger particles because they can move deeper into the lungs and can pass into the bloodstream. For this reason, PM2.5 is linked to more serious health impacts than larger particles.
How tiny is PM2.5?
- A red blood cell is 4 times wider
- Pollen is 20 times wider
- A human hair is 30 times wider.
PM2.5 is so small it can remain in the air for days, or even weeks. Even when we can't see or smell smoke, we might still be exposed to its harmful particles.
How do we measure up?
Worst of 13
1. Wood Heat
The air monitor readings show that our PM2.5 measurements go up every night, and drop during the day. These readings are a "wood stove" signature according to Earle Plain, the BC Air Quality Meteorologist.
A mobile monitoring study done in the Comox Valley in 2008/09 also showed that the older residential areas had the highest readings for PM2.5. These areas are where many people use wood stoves for heat. (View maps to see results for your neighbourhood, school or workplace).
As this smoke is released right where people live, it can have the greatest impact on neighbours and neighbourhoods.
2. Backyard burning
Backyard burning can create very localized sources of air pollution. The burning of wet leaves and green branches creates thick smoke that gets into homes and prevents neighbours from using their own yards.
Courtenay and Comox have banned most backyard burning. Cumberland will ban backyard burning (except for recreational fires) in early 2017.
The rest of the Comox Valley Regional District still allows backyard burning.
3. Open Burning
Larger fires from land clearing, agricultural burns and forestry slash piles can result in significant amounts of smoke at certain times of year.
During inversions, smoke from all of these larger burns can settle in the Valley.
Currently, these burns are not supposed to release smoke for any longer than 96 consecutive hours. They are also only to be lit when weather "venting" conditions are good.
These burns are regulated by the BC Government's Open Burning Smoke Control Regulations. These regulations are being revised and will become more stringent, particularly for burns closer to populated areas.
thank u for this excellent resource
I would like to find out more and potentially collaborate with your organisation and work closely to advocate & support efforts to reduce PM2.5 & enhance environmental & air quality
I worked with the Sunshine Coast Clean Air Society for many years. Your website states that efficient wood stoves are not the answer. I agree. However, the issue is trying to change peoples habits. Many people like to enjoy a nice fire. Not everybody cares, or choose not to believe that they are harming themselves and their neighbours. The SCCAS faced a great deal of push back on our BYB and wood heating initiatives. Through the Provincial Government’s wood stove exchange program we were able to change out hundreds of wood stoves and, perhaps more importantly, raise awareness of the harmful effects of PM2.5. Although it wasn’t the answer, it went a long way to cleaner air.
Personally, I would love to see all wood burning appliances banned. I would also love to see all back yard burning and agricultural and construction burning banned. It won’t happen over night and there are often compromises that need to be made on the journey.
I wish you success in your efforts.