Air pollution can contribute to negative health effects ranging from increased respiratory symptoms to hospitalizations and premature deaths. According to health researchers, children, the elderly and people with a pre-existing cardiac or respiratory illness are most at risk.

The first goal of the Air Quality Management Plan for Greater Vancouver is to minimize the risk to public health from air pollution.

The plan outlines 33 actions that Metro Vancouver and other agencies should take to achieve this goal. However, as individuals we can all do our part to keep the air clean.

Here are a few easy things you can do for cleaner air and your health

Watch Making a Difference: Air Quality and Your Health video
Find out more about air pollution, its sources and health effects. This video is a product of the Georgia Basin-Puget Sound International Airshed Strategy, a multi-agency effort to address shared air quality management concerns in BC and Washington State. Partners include BC Lung Association, the BC Ministry of Environment, Environment Canada, Health Canada, Metro Vancouver, and Puget Sound Clean Air Agency..

 Watch the video

Check out the Air Quality Health Index website
This website provides up-to-date information about air quality and your health that will assist you to plan your activities.

Air Quality Health Index

Learn about Woodsmoke and Your Health
Although people have been burning wood since the beginning of time, woodsmoke may contain a mix of chemicals and microscopic particles that can cause or aggravate health problems.

 Woodsmoke and Your Health

Participate in the Wood Stove Exchange Program
Metro Vancouver residents are eligible to receive a $250 rebate to trade in their old uncertified wood burning appliance for a new low emission appliance.

 Metro Vancouver Wood Stove Exchange Program

Check out the air quality in other areas of B.C.

 BC Air Quality

Pledge to be Idle Free
Take the Pledge to be Idle-Free. Leaving your vehicle running for over 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting your engine. Please Take the Ignitiative and Turn it Off!

For more information about idling reduction and air quality, visit www.bcairquality.ca or Join the “Pledge to be Idle-Free” on Facebook.