There is a strong link between air pollution and health problems, especially for the elderly, children, and for those who suffer from respiratory and cardiac problems. Studies from the Toronto Public Health Department, Government of Canada and Ontario Medical Association all show that air pollution can lead to premature death, increased hospital admissions, more emergency room visits and higher rates of absenteeism.

Smog and Your Health

The people most at risk from smog are elderly people, those with heart or lung disease and children, because they breathe faster and spend more active time outdoors. Even healthy young adults breathe less efficiently on days when the air is heavily polluted.

Smog is made of many harmful components. The more smog you breathe in, the more likely you are to experience adverse effects. Sensitive people may experience symptoms after only one or two hours outdoors.

Ground-level ozone affects the body's respiratory system and causes inflammation of the airways that can persist for up to 18 hours after exposure ceases. Ozone can cause coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. It can also aggravate existing heart and lung conditions. There is evidence that exposure heightens the sensitivity of asthmatics to allergens.

Airborne particles are small enough to be inhaled and have a significant effect on health. Those sensitive to ozone are also sensitive to airborne particles – people who already suffer from heart or lung disease, children and the elderly. Of greatest health concern are the ultrafine and very fine particles that can penetrate deeply into the lungs.

Protecting yourself

Time it right. Avoid exercising outdoors in the afternoon and early evening on smoggy days.

Take notice. When you hear a smog advisory, take notice -- especially if you are elderly or already have lung or heart disease. If you have small children, curb their outdoor play time.

Take a detour. Avoid exercising near heavy traffic areas, especially during rush hour, to minimize your exposure to pollution from motor vehicles.

Take action. There are many things you can do to help to reduce production of ground-level ozone and other smog components.

Taking Action

Use public transportation or car-pool instead of using your car; after all, one bus-load of passengers saves nine tonnes of air pollution each year. If smog levels are not too high, try walking or cycling.

Make fuel efficiency a prime factor in your choice of a new car. Pass up options, such as air conditioning, that burn more gas; buy a smaller vehicle to reduce pollution and travel costs; and consider alternative fuels such as propane, natural gas and ethanol.

Keeping your car engine tuned and your tires properly inflated increases fuel efficiency.

Transport Canada estimates that differences in driving style can lead to a 20 percent variation in fuel consumption. Driving at moderate speeds and avoiding quick starts and stops uses less fuel. Idling your car engine for even one minute uses more fuel than turning it off and re-starting. Most cars and trucks require only 15 to 30 seconds of idling before being driven, even in winter.

Swap gasoline-powered vehicles and machinery, such as motorboats, motorbikes and gas lawnmowers, for human-powered versions like canoes and sailboats, bicycles, and electric or push lawnmowers.

The evaporation of solvents found in household cleaners and surface coatings is a major source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Use alternative products wherever possible, and handle and dispose of all solvent-based products with care.