Study Finds Alarming Levels of Air Pollution from Oil Sands

A study conducted by researchers from Yale University and Environment and Climate Change Canada reveals that air pollution from oil sands operations is significantly higher than previously estimated. The study found that the air pollution is 20 to 64 times greater than what industry self-reports and what the government collects as part of their official inventory of pollutants. The pollutants in question are volatile organic compounds and semi-volatile organic compounds that have a negative impact on air quality and human health. This study raises concerns about under-reporting of air pollution and calls into question the effectiveness of cleaner practices touted by the oil and gas industry.