News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         June 26, 2007

Protect Your Health During Smog Days

With another air quality warning issued for Grey Bruce and more likely in the future, residents should take action to reduce the health effects related to air pollution. Those most at risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people affected by lung and heart conditions, smokers and those who exercise outdoors.

On average each year in Ontario, an estimated 60,000 emergency room visits and 1,800 premature deaths are due to poor air quality. To minimize health effects related to smog days it is important to avoid strenuous activity, especially outdoors. Scheduling outdoor activities before sunrise and after sunset will avoid the mid-day peak when pollution levels are highest. Those with health conditions should be aware of any worsening symptoms. Move to cooler environments to prevent conditions from worsening and seek medical help if necessary. Check on elderly neighbours and relatives.

Air quality alerts usually occur on sunny days with no wind and increased ozone levels. Burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas, diesel and coal creates air pollutants that are not always visible, but affect our health. Individuals can lessen this pollution by reducing their own energy consumption. Walk, car pool or use public transit. Refuel your car before sunrise or after sunset when the air is cooler. Reduce the use of gas or diesel powered machines and leave mowing the lawn and barbecuing for a non-smog alert day.

Vehicle emissions are the single largest source of the pollution that brings on smog days. It is important to avoid idling vehicles, especially “quick errand” idling to go into a corner store or fast food restaurant. 

The Ministry of Environment issues air quality advisories based on a number of factors. To receive email bulletins for advisories or more information, log on to www.airqualityontario.com.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

-30-

For more information:

Angela Newman

Public Health Inspector, Health Hazard

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 252