Indicator Type: Environmental Condition
Benzo(a)pyrene (benzo-"alpha"-pyrene) is a member of a class of compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It is produced from natural sources and human activities. This indicator shows trends of annual average benzo(a)pyrene concentrations in the air.
More about benzo(a)pyrene
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Trend: Improving
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What does the indicator show?
Annual average concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene have remained fairly consistent from 1990 to 2007, despite a peak in 1994. The reason for this peak is not known. The most likely explanations is an error in the way the data was evaluated or the samples were analyzed. The only statistically significant trends were the 64% decrease at Edmonton Central and the 89% decrease at Calgary Central over 1990 to 2000. Besides the peak in 2004, annual average benzo(a)pyrene concentrations are not above the proposed ambient air quality objective of 0.3 ng/m³.
Trends in peak concentrations are also available.
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Why is this indicator important?
Benzo(a)pyrene is a member of a class of compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Benzo(a)pyrene and other PAHs are suspected of causing cancer in humans (Environment Canada). These substances can travel long distances, accumulate in the environment, and do not break down easily.
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What actions are being taken?
Benzo(a)pyrene was listed at the 2004 Clean Air Strategic Alliance Priority Setting Workshop as a priority substance for the Alberta Environment Objective Setting Process. Alberta Environment, in consultation with stakeholders, has worked on developing an Air Quality Objective for benzo(a)pyrene. A proposed Ambient Air Quality Objective for benzo(a)pyrene of 0.3 ng/m³ (as an annual average) is currently posted for public review. Additional monitoring of benzo(a)pyrene is also planned for the near future.
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Links to additional information
Assessment Report on Benzo[a]pyrene for Developing an Ambient Air Quality Guideline: http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/8051.pdf (PDF)
Draft Ambient Air Quality Objective for benzo(a)pyrene: http://environment.alberta.ca/documents/DraftAAQO_BaP_Sept08.pdf (PDF)
More information on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: http://www.casadata.org/pollutants/poly_hydrocarbons.asp
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and benzo(a)pyrene information from Toronto Public Health: http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/health/pdf/cr_appendix_b_pah.pdf (PDF)
Evaluation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Accumulation in Plants (report): http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/6697.pdf (PDF)
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Feedback
E-mail the SOE Coordinator: SOE.Coordinator@gov.ab.ca or complete this short on-line questionnaire to provide your feedback: http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB224DW6P3E2K.
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