Along with individual and community activities, businesses and industrial facilities are significant sources of air pollutants in British Columbia.
In B.C., the wood industry (e.g., forestry and sawmills) and pulp and paper mills release the most industrial emissions of particulate matter. They also emit sulphur oxides (SOx), along with the smog-forming chemicals: nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
In addition, the upstream oil-and-gas industry is a key contributor to air pollution, releasing SOx, NOx and VOCs. Coal mining, cement and concrete production, mining and rock quarrying, and aluminum production are important other emission sources.
Small businesses such as automotive shops, dry cleaners and painting operations use various toxic substances, such as paints and solvents, cleaning agents.
For more details on business and industrial emissions, see Industrial Emissions and Table of Common Pollutants.
Top