Regulation - LGIC
Proposal to Amend Ontario Regulation 419/05: Air Polution - Local Air Quality Under the Environmental Protection Act to Include An Ontario Air Standard for Acrolein
Regulation Number(s):
O.Reg. 419/05
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990
Summary of Decision:
Based on an evaluation of the scientific rationale of air guidelines from leading agencies, an examination of current toxicological research, and comments from stakeholders through a two-step consultation process, the following decision has been made for the Ambient Air Quality Criteria (AAQCs) and Air Quality Standards for acrolein (Chemical Abstract Services # 107-02-8):
• A 24-hour average AAQC of 0.4 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air), based on the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure to acrolein.
• A one-hour average AAQC of 4.5 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air), based on the development of irritation following acute exposure to acrolein.
• A 24-hour average standard of 0.4 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) for acrolein based on the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure;
• A one-hour average standard of 4.5 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) for acrolein based on the development of irritation following acute exposure; and
• A half-hour average standard of 1.2 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) for acrolein based on the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure.
• A 24-hour average AAQC of 0.4 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air), based on the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure to acrolein.
• A one-hour average AAQC of 4.5 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air), based on the development of irritation following acute exposure to acrolein.
• A 24-hour average standard of 0.4 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) for acrolein based on the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure;
• A one-hour average standard of 4.5 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) for acrolein based on the development of irritation following acute exposure; and
• A half-hour average standard of 1.2 μg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre of air) for acrolein based on the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
09-MOE021
Posting Date:
December 22, 2009
Summary of Proposal:
The current half-hour and 24-hour average AAQCs for acrolein in Ontario are 0.24 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air) and 0.08 µg/m3, respectively. These AAQCs are listed in the MOE document entitled, "Ontario's Ambient Air Quality Criteria." These values were established in 2005 following consultation. Based on new scientific information, the MOE is proposing that the AAQCs for acrolein be updated as follows:
1-hour average AAQC of 4.5 µg/m3 to protect against irritation following acute exposure to acrolein.
24-hour average AAQC of 0.4 µg/m3 to protect against or prevent the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure to acrolein.
Proposed Acrolein Standard in O. Reg. 419/05
Currently there is no air standard for acrolein in effect in Ontario. An air standard for acrolein was established and incorporated into O. Reg. 419/05 in 2005 and would come into effect on February 1, 2010. The half-hour average standard of 0.24 µg/m3 is contained in Schedule 2, and there are two standards in schedule 3, a half-hour average standard of 0.24 µg/m3 and a 24-hour average standard of 0.08 µg/m3.
Based on the proposed AAQCs above, the MOE is proposing the following air standards for Acrolein:
1-hour average standard of 4.5 µg/m3 which protects against irritation following acute exposure to acrolein.
24-hr average standard of 0.4 µg/m3 which protects against or prevents the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure to acrolein.
Half-hour average standard of 1.2 µg/m3 which protects against or prevents the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure to acrolein.
The 1-hour and 24-hour standards are proposed to be incorporated into Schedule 3 of O. Reg. 419/05 and the corresponding half-hour standard incorporated into Schedule 2. The Ministry generally proposes a five (5) year phase-in period for new standards, or standards that will be more stringent than the current standard or guideline. However, since the proposed health-based standards for acrolein are less stringent than the standard set in 2005, it is proposed that the updated health-based standards for acrolein in Schedules 2 and 3 take effect on February 1, 2010.
1-hour average AAQC of 4.5 µg/m3 to protect against irritation following acute exposure to acrolein.
24-hour average AAQC of 0.4 µg/m3 to protect against or prevent the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure to acrolein.
Proposed Acrolein Standard in O. Reg. 419/05
Currently there is no air standard for acrolein in effect in Ontario. An air standard for acrolein was established and incorporated into O. Reg. 419/05 in 2005 and would come into effect on February 1, 2010. The half-hour average standard of 0.24 µg/m3 is contained in Schedule 2, and there are two standards in schedule 3, a half-hour average standard of 0.24 µg/m3 and a 24-hour average standard of 0.08 µg/m3.
Based on the proposed AAQCs above, the MOE is proposing the following air standards for Acrolein:
1-hour average standard of 4.5 µg/m3 which protects against irritation following acute exposure to acrolein.
24-hr average standard of 0.4 µg/m3 which protects against or prevents the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure to acrolein.
Half-hour average standard of 1.2 µg/m3 which protects against or prevents the development of lesions in the upper airways following chronic exposure to acrolein.
The 1-hour and 24-hour standards are proposed to be incorporated into Schedule 3 of O. Reg. 419/05 and the corresponding half-hour standard incorporated into Schedule 2. The Ministry generally proposes a five (5) year phase-in period for new standards, or standards that will be more stringent than the current standard or guideline. However, since the proposed health-based standards for acrolein are less stringent than the standard set in 2005, it is proposed that the updated health-based standards for acrolein in Schedules 2 and 3 take effect on February 1, 2010.
Contact Address:
Akos Szakolcai
Coordinator, Air Standards Risk Management
Ministry of the Environment
Environmental Sciences and Standards Division
Standards Development Branch
40 St. Clair Avenue West
Floor 7
Toronto Ontario
M4V 1M2
Phone: (416) 212-4228
Fax: (416) 327-2936
Coordinator, Air Standards Risk Management
Ministry of the Environment
Environmental Sciences and Standards Division
Standards Development Branch
40 St. Clair Avenue West
Floor 7
Toronto Ontario
M4V 1M2
Phone: (416) 212-4228
Fax: (416) 327-2936
Effective Date:
February 1, 2010
Decision:
Approved