This report summarizes the methodology and results of the first year of an ongoing community exposure and health effects assessment program undertaken in the Wood Buffalo region of northeastern Alberta. While the Wood Buffalo region enjoys good air quality most of the time, increased industrial activity and subsequent population growth has raised people’s awareness about air quality and quality of life in the region.
In response to this, the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) has established a Human Exposure Monitoring Program (HEMP) in the Wood Buffalo region. Supported by scientific and technical assistance from Alberta Health and Wellness, information about the background, design and the first year of monitoring results are presented in this report.
The purpose of the Program is to monitor levels of people’s exposure to selected air pollutants over time and to gather better information on factors that contribute to these exposures. This can be accomplished by:
• Obtaining true information on amounts of air pollutants that people are exposed to, and how much is indoors and outdoors at their homes.
• Providing better information in order to allow people in the region to make informed decisions about the role of indoor and outdoor air pollution.
• Better understanding the relationships between amounts of air pollutants that people are exposed to and amounts indoors and outdoors. Also, improving our understanding about which factors affect personal exposure.
• Make recommendations on ways to reduce people’s exposure that will have a real benefit in improving quality of life in Wood Buffalo Region.