Visual air quality depends on the amount of pollution
in the air. The white or brown haze that sometimes
obscures our view of local mountains is caused when
sunlight interacts with tiny particles or gases in the
atmosphere. Although we can measure the amount
of pollutants in the air, it is much more difficult to
determine how they affect visual air quality. Air quality
agencies in British Columbia’s Lower Fraser Valley
are working together to better understand visual air
quality and they are formulating a strategy to protect
our scenic vistas by reducing air pollution.