The Government of Nova Scotia is setting limits for 20 additional air pollutants under the Environment Act. This will bring the number of regulated pollutants up to 26.
The province says the move is a way to keep environmental safeguards while promoting innovation and economic opportunities.
“As Nova Scotia seeks new economic opportunities, this is another example of how we are maintaining strong and effective environmental regulatory oversight, and ensuring our regulations and policies are modern and clear,” Environment Minister Timothy Halman announced on Thursday. “Together, we can keep our air, environment and people safe from air pollution, while also allowing the industries that provide good-paying jobs for Nova Scotians to succeed.”
The last substantive update to the regulations was in 1995. The announcement was welcomed by health authorities.
“Clean, maritime air is essential for healthy lungs,” Robert MacDonald, president and CEO of LungNSPEI, said in a press release. “By strengthening air quality regulations and increasing the number of pollutants being monitored, Nova Scotia is taking an important step in preventing lung disease. Reducing exposure to air pollution will help lower the risk of conditions like asthma and COPD, improve health outcomes, and help Nova Scotians breathe easier.”
Nova Scotia currently has the highest rate of lung cancer across Canada. Each year, around 1,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer, often in the later stages. Lung cancer is also increasingly showing up in non-smokers. Researchers say air quality plays a part.
Other benefits of the increased standards include a reduction in greenhouse gases and the promotion of innovative alternatives and cleaner industry solutions.
The 26 air pollutants that will be regulated under law starting June 1 are: acrolein, ammonia, arsenic, benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, cadmium, carbon monoxide, chromium (hexavalent), cobalt, copper, dioxins and furans, formaldehyde, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, nitrogen dioxide, coarse particles, fine particles, total suspended particles, phenol, selenium, sulphur dioxide, total reduced sulphur, vanadium and zinc.
The government says the updated regulations will also provide greater clarity to industry, making it easier to comply.
Industries and companies under environmental approvals are required to submit air assessments and emissions data to the province to ensure compliance with laws.