Particulate Matter Emissions

In 2010, emissions of total particulate matter (TPM) were 661 kt, an increase of 26 kt (4%) over 2009 emission levels. Emissions of respirable particulate matter (PM₁₀) increased in 2010 by 7 kt (2%) from 2009 emission levels, to 349 kt. Emissions of PM_2.5 decreased in 2010 by 2 kt (1%) from 2009 emission levels, to 254 kt.

When compared to 1990 emission levels, 2010 emissions were lower by 495 kt (43%) for TPM, by 215 kt (38%) PM₁₀, and by 135 kt (35%) for PM_2.5. The decline in TPM, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 emissions since 1990 is the result of a reduction in emissions from power plants and industries for which regulations and agreements were put in place.

Particulate matter emissions, Canada, 1990 to 2010

Note: PM₁₀ refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometres (μm) or less, while PM_2.5 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less. Emissions from natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and open sources (e.g., road dust) are not included in the indicator.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Particulate matter emissions by source

Particulate matter is mainly emitted from industrial sources and home firewood burning. For TPM and PM₁₀ emissions, industries (source category “Other Industries”) were the main source representing 64% (423 kt) and 39% (135 kt) of national emissions, respectively (national emissions = 661 kt for TPM and 349 kt for PM₁₀). Home firewood burning is the largest source of PM_2.5 representing 41% (104 kt) of the total national emissions (254 kt).

Particulate matter emissions by source, Canada, 2010

Note: Particulate matter emissions from natural sources (e.g., forest fires) and  open sources (e.g., road dust) are not included in the indicator.
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Particulate matter emissions by province and territory

Quebec emitted the most particulate matter, with 23% (152 kt) of TPM emissions (national emissions = 661 kt), 25% (87 kt) of PM₁₀ emissions (national emissions = 349 kt) and 29% (73 kt) of PM_2.5 emissions (national emissions = 254 kt). Ontario ranked second, with 22% (144 kt) of TPM emissions, 23% (80 kt) of PM₁₀ emissions and 24% (62 kt) of PM_2.5 emissions. British Columbia ranked third, with 18% (121 kt) of TPM emissions, 17% (60 kt) of PM₁₀ emissions and 13% (34 kt) of PM_2.5 emissions.

Home firewood burning (e.g., woodstoves, fireplaces) was the largest source of emissions in Quebec for the three types of particulate matter. Home firewood burning was also the most important source of emissions in Ontario for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 and in British Columbia for PM_2.5. The mining and rock quarrying industry was the largest source of TPM emissions in Ontario and British Columbia. It was also the most important source of PM₁₀ emissions in British Columbia.

Particulate matter emissions by province and territory, Canada, 2010

Note: This chart does not include all the other natural sources (e.g., forest fires) or open sources (e.g., road dust).
Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Air Pollutant Emissions Summaries and Trends.

Particulate matter emissions from industrial facilities

Environment Canada’s National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) provides detailed information on air pollutant emissions from industrial facilities. The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) program provides access to this information through an online interactive map.

With the CESI interactive map, you can drill down to local areas and obtain details on TPM, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 emissions specific to reporting industrial facilities.

Source: Environment Canada (2012) National Pollutant Release Inventory: Facility Reported Data.

Related indicators

• National Air Pollutant Emissions