Health unit studies effects of idling vehicles on humans

Health unit studies effects of idling vehicles on humans

Municipal air quality tests on way
By: Sandra Bolan, Staff Writer

Air pollution will be a contributing factor in the premature deaths of more than 200 residents in the Simcoe Muskoka region this year.

In 2026, that number is expected to hit 360, according to the Ontario Medical Association.

In 2008, hospital admissions in Simcoe Muskoka related to air pollution exposure are estimated to be 580. Eighteen years from now, the Ontario Medical Association anticipates that number to reach nearly 820.

The most significant contributors to air pollution in Ontario are energy generation and transportation.

When it comes to transportation, automobiles, no matter how compact and fuel efficient they might be, are a major source of pollution.

As it’s highly unlikely the majority of drivers are going to abandon their vehicles, especially in Bradford West Gwillimbury, where, according to Statistics Canada, 57 per cent of the labour force commutes to outside of Simcoe County for work, environmental advocates have to address the situation another way: with anti-idling campaigns and bylaws.

“...It’s a first step to take and easy to adopt,” Brenda Armstrong, program supervisor of health protection services for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, said.

The health unit is conducting municipal air quality tests and a transportation idling needs assessment survey. Bradford West Gwillimbury has announced it will participate.

“This is one way we can demonstrate we are thinking about (the environment) and are serious about it,” Deputy Mayor Dennis Roughley said.

Although convincing municipalities to institute anti-idling bylaws is not on the agenda for the survey, the bylaws “are a step towards better air quality,” Ms Armstrong noted.

Collingwood, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Orillia and Wasaga Beach are the Simcoe Muskoka municipalities with anti-idling bylaws.

Prior to initiating the municipal needs assessment studies, the health unit conducted an anti-idling campaign called Turn it Off. The program ran at elementary schools in Simcoe County and Muskoka in the fall of 2007 and spring of 2008.

The program measured the idling behaviour of parents dropping off and picking up their children at school.

Once the initial phase of the study was complete, the health unit initiated an idling awareness education program at one test school but not the other, to see if the education program worked.

“The education did actually decrease idling behaviour,” Ms Armstrong said.

Prior to the educational campaign, 43 per cent of drivers idled their vehicles outside the school. That dropped to 28 per cent following the educational program.

“Winter is a big time, in terms of idling, so it’s a great time to get an initiative rolling,” Ms Armstrong said.

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