• your age
  
• your general state of health
  
• the weather
  
• the levels and types of pollutants in the air
  
• how long you’re exposed
  
• where you live
  

Who is at risk?

While everyone needs to protect themselves against potential damage from smog, there are certain people who are at higher risk. The people most at risk include:

• young children
  
• people who work or exercise outdoors
  
• pregnant women
  
• people with allergies
  
• the elderly
  
• people with heart problems
  
• asthmatics
  
• smokers

What are the health effects of smog?

• eye, nose and throat irritation
  
• coughing and wheezing
  
• worsening of symptoms for those who have lung diseases (e.g. asthma, COPD)
  
• difficulty breathing
  
• reduced lung capacity
  
• lowered resistance to infections
  
• increased heart and lung conditions
  
• increase in visits to the emergency room and hospital admissions
  
• premature death

What can you do?

To reduce your exposure to smog and its potential health effects:

• Check the Air Quality Index in your community, especially during smog season (from May to September). If there’s a smog advisory for your area, alter your activities accordingly.
  
• Avoid or reduce vigorous outdoor activities when smog levels are high, especially during the afternoon, when ground-level ozone reaches its peak.
  
• Avoid or reduce exercising near heavy traffic, especially during rush hour.
  
• If you have a heart or lung condition, talk to your health care professional about other ways you can protect your health when smog levels are high.
  

Smog Advisory - Issued at 9:47 AM EDT Monday, May 31, 2010.

Air Quality Ontario: Outdoor Activities – Smog Matters

Air Quality Ontario: Smog and Your Health

Air Quality Ontario: Ways to Reduce Your Contribution to Smog

Air Quality Ontario: “Smog Advisory Today” – Are Seniors at Risk?

Air Quality Ontario: “Smog Advisory Today” – Why Should I Care?

Ontario Medical Association: Smog-Wise

The Lung Association: Smog

Toronto Public Health: Smog