Emissions of main atmospheric contaminants have decreased since 1990 in Quebec, according to a new inventory.
Posted at 5:04 p.m.
The Ministry of the Environment published Tuesday a Quebec inventory of emissions of main atmospheric contaminants in 2022 and their evolution since 1990.
Not to be confused with greenhouse gases, these pollutants have harmful consequences on the environment and health. Their monitoring is therefore necessary to reduce their impact.
Between 1990 and 2022, emissions of contaminants linked to road transport, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, were divided in two. The evolution of emissions reduction technologies and the improvement in the fuel consumption rate of vehicles have compensated for the increase in the automobile fleet and the use of fuels.
Sulfur dioxide emissions have fallen by almost 75%, notably thanks to the commissioning of capture plants and the closure of ore extraction establishments.
Emissions of fine particles have also decreased, but those of total particles and respirable particles have increased. This increase is mainly due to dust produced by construction activities and dust emitted on unpaved roads.
Evolution of emissions of main contaminants between 1990 and 2022
- Carbon monoxide (CO): decrease of 53.9%
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx): decrease of 58.6%
- Volatile organic compounds (VOC): decrease of 43.6%
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2): decrease of 74.6%
- Fine particles (PM2,5): decrease of 10.1%
- Total particles (PM): increase of 28.2%
- Respirable particles (PM10): increase of 19.6%
Consult the Quebec inventory of emissions of main atmospheric contaminants in 2022 and their evolution since 1990
