Proximity to Arterial Roads and Air Quality

In 2019, Metro Vancouver conducted a two-year monitoring study on air quality near roads in Vancouver and Toronto. Researchers set up air-monitoring stations across the cities to measure pollutant levels. The study found that pollutants such as nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide were much higher near major roadways. Trucks released a disproportionate share of these pollutants, and pollution levels remained elevated as far as 250 metres from the road. Exposure to these pollutants can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Diesel emissions are also a known carcinogen.

Most major roads in Vancouver are designated truck routes, including Main Street, Cambie Street, Broadway, Granville Street, and W 41 st Avenue. This leaves few areas that are unaffected by vehicular pollution. Most new residential developments are built along major arteries, which means we are allocating more and more housing in areas with less-than-ideal air quality. In fact, our studio is on Broadway, and when we leave the window open—even for a day—we find a thin layer of soot, like black dust, on the tables.