Peel Regional Council received the good news in a State of the Environment Fact Sheet prepared by Peel's Planning and Health departments. At the time of poor air quality readings, ozone was the main pollutant of concern in virtually every instance. Major sources of pollution generally affecting air quality in Peel are transportation, industrial sources, electrical generating stations and pollutants originating in the United States. It is important that government, individuals and business owners help to reduce pollutants in the environment.
Airborne pollutants can cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat.
The State of the Environment Fact Sheet is developed to generate public awareness of the state of the environment in Peel and to instill environmental values among residents. It provides the status of general air quality in Peel and outlines what the Region and area municipalities are doing to protect and enhance air quality. It also provides suggestions for what individual residents can do to help improve air quality. Suggestions include choosing cleaner sources of energy and using energy more efficiently by car pooling, taking public transit and walking or cycling instead of driving, using compact fluorescent bulbs in place of incandescent light bulbs, purchasing energy efficient appliances and planting trees. Trees absorb pollutants and provide shade that reduces the need for air conditioning.