Doctors Offer Smog-Wise Health Tips

2007 has record-high number of poor-air days to date

Toronto, June 26, 2007 – Given that 28 smog days have already been recorded so far this year, Ontario’s physicians are asking people to understand the impact smog can have on their health and to take appropriate measures to stay healthy during smog alerts.

“Heat and humidity increase the risk that our breathing will be affected by smog,” said Dr. Janice Willett, President of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). “Physicians treat patients every day suffering smog-related illnesses, so we’re urging people to take preventative measures.”

Smog, a complex mixture of pollutants, often covers large areas of Ontario, so even those who live outside of cities and industrial centres are not immune to its dangers. Smog has a wide range of health impacts ranging from minor irritations of the eyes and throat, to serious breathing distress and even cardiac arrest.

Here are a few quick tips on how to avoid the dangers of smog:

• Plan to reduce your exposure by getting informed about when smog levels are highest and watching for smog advisories.
• Reduce strenuous activities when smog is at its worst.
• As smog often coincides with heat, drink lots of fluid to stay hydrated.
• If you are enjoying an outdoor activity, take lots of rest-breaks.
• If you have a cardiac or respiratory condition that makes you especially vulnerable to the effects of smog, staying in a cool, clean, air-conditioned environment may be appropriate.
• If you do not have access to an air-conditioned environment, find a shaded area away from traffic.
• Know your limits and pay attention to how you are feeling.

 “Children and the elderly are the most sensitive to smog related-illnesses, but anyone can become ill if they don’t take appropriate precautions during smoggy weather,” said Dr. Willett. “We don’t want people to alter their lives dramatically during a smog alert, but listen to what your body is telling you and adjust your physical activity accordingly.”

2007 is currently on track with Ontario’s smoggiest year yet, with was 2005, when the province recorded 60 smog days.  So far this year there have been 28 smog days, according to the Ministry of the Environment’s Air Quality Index. 

Please see the OMA Smog Myths & Health Realities fact sheet to find out more about smog.