PGAQ #7 (Cit) by Vic Steblin, Jan 15, 2008

2570 Laurier Crescent, Prince George, BC, 250-564-1123

I can imagine the complexity of the air quality issue in Prince George. Some people refuse to acknowledge the problem at all and some, like smokers or wood burners, may actually want to make it worse. Some make lots of profit from industry yet live where they do not have to breathe the air. Most children and many adults have little choice where they live and cannot easily move away. People also complicate issues with differing opinions and unique situations. Obviously these social issues can be overwhelming.

The actual physical science of air quality is also very complicated. Anyone familiar with science appreciates how a change in any one factor can influence outcomes. And there are many factors and levels of sub-factors involved, both known and as yet unknown.

Known factors of air quality may seem as obvious as sources of particles until we consider how wind speed alone influences particles. There is most likely an optimum speed for wind to pick up dry road dust and keep certain size particles suspended at the right height. That same air speed could also be the best to diffuse particles. Too high, too low, too fast, too slow, too much in what direction obviously are all sub-factors of wind speed. Any factor or sub-factor can have a surprising influence as we learn more about how particles get spread about.

Study any issue and it will constantly surprise you with the many levels of complexity. We need expertise in air quality issues and we should be getting help from the best people and the best resources.