Questions on mobile‑source emission‑control technologies and wood‑burning‑appliances

Petition: 494

Issue(s): Air quality; Compliance and enforcement; Human/environmental health; Natural resources; Toxic substances

Petitioner(s): A Canadian resident

Petitioner location(s): Saanichton, British Columbia

Date received: 11 August 2023

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: The petition raises concern about multi‑generational health damages from mobile‑source emissions and wood‑burning appliances. The petition states that clean air is a human right as indicated by the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, and the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The petition identifies diesel exhaust and its emission‑control devices as part of the problem. According to the petition, diesel exhaust is a carcinogen and a toxin. It produces pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, contributes to smog, and damages human cells and organs. The petition notes that the solution chosen by the government, which is to rely on emission‑control technologies such as diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction, is not working.

According to the petition, diesel particulate filters emit greenhouse gases and have been linked to wildfires and vehicle fires. Regarding selective catalytic reduction technology, the petition indicates that it poses a risk to aquatic life and is irritating and corrosive. The petition asks Health Canada if it would be prepared to propose a ban on both of these technologies. The petition asks Environment and Climate Change Canada about its level of awareness of the health hazards posed by these technologies and about related educational campaigns. The petition argues that the solution to diesel exhaust lies with a complete phase‑out of diesel and a fast transition to electric vehicles and machinery. The petition asks Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Transport Canada what actions they are taking to expedite the transition to electric vehicles and‑machinery.

The petition also discusses the effects of wood smoke on human health and as an agent of climate change. According to the petition, wood smoke is 30 times more potent at inducing tumours than cigarette smoke and has 12 times as many carcinogenic components. In terms of climate impact, the petition indicates that wood burning produces 35% to 50% more carbon dioxide than coal and up to 230% more than natural gas. The petition raises concern about wood‑burning appliances that are branded as an “eco‑design” or “clean‑burning” and believes that this branding is misleading, as combustion is not a clean process. The petition states that many small communities across Canada lack regulatory air monitoring stations and asks Environment and Climate Change Canada what it is doing to rectify this. The petition further asks if Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, and Natural Resources Canada are prepared to implement regulations to limit the effects of wood burning. The petition also asks if there are any education campaigns done to educate Canadians on the science of wood smoke.

Federal departments/organizations responsible for reply:  Environment and Climate Change Canada; Health Canada; Natural Resources Canada; Transport Canada