Fine Particulate Levels: More about the data

The trends in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are based on hourly data collected by the continuous ambient monitoring stations operated by Alberta Environment and the airshed zones. These data can be obtained directly from the Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) Data Warehouse.

Continuous monitoring of particulate matter began in 1998, with some intermittent monitoring prior to that in Edmonton and Calgary. In 2007 there were 35 Alberta Environment and airshed zone stations monitoring these particles. Nineteen stations are included in the analysis for this indicator. The other stations do not have adequate data for trend analysis. Only stations with five or more consecutive years of data are included above. Trends that are statistically significant (α=0.05) are represented with an asterisk.

Current ambient fine particulate matter concentrations are posted on Alberta Environment's interactive air quality website.