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Air monitoring results for the concentration of ground level ozone.
Ground-level ozone, or O3, is an air pollutant that can negatively affect human health and the environment. O3 is found both in the lower and upper atmosphere of the Earth. In the lower atmosphere and at ground-level, exposure to O3 is harmful to humans as it irritates the respiratory system. In the upper atmosphere, O3 occurs naturally and protects the Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
O3 is not emitted directly into the atmosphere by humans, but forms through chemical reactions with precursor gases in the presence of heat and sunlight. Precursor gases, such as nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds, are emitted by human activities in urban and industrial centres, and natural sources such as wildfires. Higher levels of O3 can also be transported to the ground from the ozone-rich upper atmosphere under suitable weather conditions.
O3 is a major component of smog which is a mixture of gases and particles emitted into the air by human activities. Smog forms haze, reduces visibility, and negatively affects human health.
O3 is part of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) that reports on health risks associated with local air quality across Alberta in real-time.
This indicator reports on the concentration of O3 from 2000 to 2020 and compares it to Alberta’s Ambient Air Quality Objectives (AAAQO), which set thresholds for air pollutants to protect human and ecosystem health. This indicator also discusses ongoing management of O3 levels in Alberta under the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS).
This condition of environment indicator reports on the current state and trends in Alberta’s air across the province. The air indicators were selected, prepared and reported on to meet this purpose.
Other types of reporting, such as CAAQS reporting (through Alberta’s Air Zone Reports) or compliance reporting near an industrial facility have different purposes and requirements. Therefore, other reporting may use different data sets, data analysis methods, or time-periods and are not directly comparable to the condition of environment reporting. For further details, visit:
Levels of O3 in Alberta are strongly influenced by natural atmospheric fluctuations, with high levels of background O3 in the spring.
Human activities also contribute higher levels of O3, particularly during summertime smog air pollution episodes.
Alberta is taking action to manage O3 levels under the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Figure 1. Peak O3 concentrations across Alberta for 2020
View large image: Figure 1 (PNG, 88 KB)
Figure 2. Trends in peak O3 concentrations over time
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Figure 3. Seasonal variation in O3 for 2020
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Alberta Air Data Warehouse
Access long-term air quality monitoring data for Alberta.
Air Monitoring
Information on air monitoring in Alberta.
Alberta Air Zone Reports
Annual reporting of Alberta’s air quality against Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Ambient Air Quality Objectives (AAAQOs)
Review the provincial standards used to evaluate air quality in Alberta.
Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards
Alberta’s ambient air monitoring data and management levels are assessed annually against national standards.
Condition of the Environment Report – Air Component (PDF, 397 KB)
Information on data analysis methods and tools.
Environment and land use planning
Learn more about how air quality in Alberta is managed through regional land use planning.
Contact Alberta's Environmental Science Program or the Office of the Chief Scientist:
Email: [email protected]
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