Ontario
released its 2013 Air Quality Report last week and the improvements
with respect to particulate matter in the air are kind of jaw-dropping.
Since 2004, nitrogen dioxide in the air has dropped by 40%, sulphur
dioxide by 46%, carbon monoxide by 42% and fine particulate matter (ex.
soot and ash) decreased 30%!
These results are likely directly
related to the province’s coal phase out. The last coal power plant in
Ontario was only closed last year, so the trend in improved air quality
should continue into the future: http://ow.ly/LS2o4