New air pollution rules take effect in Nova Scotia
Although it is allergy season, Nova Scotia is tackling other things that might bother your lungs.
New rules came into effect Monday for industrial air pollution.
It brings the number of regulated pollutants up from six to 26 and sets limits on the amount that industries can release. Industrial facilities such as power plants, manufacturing plants, mines and quarries are among the operations covered under the rules.
Robert MacDonald, the CEO of Lung-NS-PEI, says this is an important step in preventing lung disease.
“Reducing exposure to air pollution will help lower the risk of conditions like asthma and COPD, improve health outcomes, and help Nova Scotians breathe easier,” wrote MacDonald in a previous news release.
The change was originally tabled in the legislature in April and marks the first major overhaul in air quality rules since 1995.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman says the update is aimed at keeping environmental protections current while supporting economic growth.
“As Nova Scotia seeks new economic opportunities, this is another example of how we are maintaining strong and effective environmental regulatory oversight, and ensuring our regulations and policies are modern and clear,” said Minister Halman.
with files from Evan Taylor