Understanding Air Pollutants
Why Air Pollutants Matter
Air quality is affected by different pollutants. Some are gases. Others are tiny particles floating in the air. Monitoring these pollutants helps us understand what is in the air and whether levels are changing.
In the Kitimat area, three monitoring stations have the capacity to report the AQHI, including information for Kitimat and Haisla Village.
The AQHI looks at the combined health risk from PM2.5, ozone (O₃), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). In Kitimat, sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is also included because it is a key local pollutant.
Learning about common air pollutants can help residents better understand local air quality information and the Air Quality Health Index.
Key Pollutants in the Kitimat Airshed
The pollutants below are commonly included in local air quality monitoring and public reporting. Each one behaves differently in the air and can affect health in different ways.
Use the tabs below to learn what each pollutant is, where it can come from, and why it matters for air quality and health.
Want to see where pollutants are monitored?
Visit the Kitimat Air Monitoring Stations page to view a map of monitoring station locations and the pollutants monitored at each station in Kitimat.
What is Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)?
Fine particles in the air that are small enough to be breathed deep into the lungs.
Common Sources
- Wildfire smoke
- Wood smoke
- Vehicle emissions
- Industrial activities
Why It Matters
High levels may cause coughing, throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and can be more harmful for people with heart or lung conditions.
What is Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)?
A gas produced when materials containing sulphur are burned or processed.
Common Sources
- Industrial activities
- Marine transportation
- Fuel combustion
Why It Matters
Can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, especially for people with asthma.
What is Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)?
A gas created during fuel combustion.
Common Sources
- Vehicles
- Ships
- Heating systems
- Industrial equipment
Why It Matters
Can irritate the lungs and make respiratory conditions worse.
What is Ozone (O₃)?
A gas that forms when sunlight reacts with other pollutants in the air.
Common Sources
- Forms from reactions involving emissions and sunlight
Why It Matters
Can make breathing difficult and irritate the respiratory system.
What About Benzene?
Benzene is classified as a non-methane hydrocarbon and is monitored at the Riverlodge monitoring station. You can access this data on the BC Air Data Archive.
The B.C. Energy Regulator also monitors for benzene through its Roving Ambient Monitor program, which is a temporary monitoring program that runs for about four months. View the 2025 Kitimat Roaming Air Monitoring Vehicle report.
Please keep in mind that benzene also comes from other sources, such as wildfire smoke, wood burning, cigarettes and gas stations, which makes it tricky to monitor.