Ontario’s Doctors: Thousands of Premature Deaths due to Smog

Alarming new report shows smog is responsible for 9,500 deaths in the province each year

Toronto, June 6, 2008 – New data released today by the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) shows that air pollution is a contributing factor in almost 9,500 premature deaths per year in Ontario. The report comes as Ontario enters into the summer season and smog days are expected. Doctors are urging people to take the proper precautions when air quality is poor.

"The health impacts from smog range anywhere from itchy eyes and sore throats to respiratory and cardiac illnesses and even premature death,” said Dr. Ken Arnold, President of the OMA. "Ontarians need to be mindful of the impact that smog has and take necessary precautions to protect their health during poor air quality periods.”

The OMA’s recently updated Illness Costs of Air Pollution (ICAP) model found that of the 9,500 premature deaths, more than 1,000 occurred during or immediately after periods of increased pollution. The remaining number can be attributed to long-term, lifetime exposure to air pollutants. The ICAP model uses air pollution, illness and demographic information to estimate smog-related health effects.

“The numbers reinforce the fact that the problem of smog is not confined to cities and industrial centres,” said Dr. Arnold. “A staggering number of premature deaths attributed to pollution were found across Ontario, showing that less-urban areas can be equally, and sometimes even more affected by smog than larger cities.”

In 2007, Ontario recorded 59 poor air quality days; Ontario’s doctors want patients to be prepared this summer so they can take the proper steps to protect their own health. On days when air pollution is high, it is recommended to:

• reduce strenuous outdoor activities, or change the time you are active outdoors to early morning or later in the evening.
• drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated.
• stay in a cool, clean, air-conditioned environment if you are especially vulnerable to the effects of smog.
• speak to your physician about how best to manage your condition if you suffer from respiratory or cardiac illness.
• know your limits and pay attention to how you are feeling.

“It’s important for those who may be more at risk from smog related illness to consult their doctor on how they can stay protected,” said Dr. Arnold. “The air we breathe is one of our most important resources and we all have a role to play in reducing the amount of smog that we are exposed to.”

For a break down of premature mortality estimates locally, please visit www.oma.org/media/news/pr080606b.asp.

For more information please contact OMA Media Relations at (416) 340-2862 or toll-free at 1-800-268-7215 ext. 2862.