Make every day a clean air day

With smog alerts increasingly common in Simcoe Muskoka, at least one expert in the health effects of poor air quality would like to see today's Clean Air Day move from an annual celebration to a daily objective for everyone.

"Every time we use energy in our homes or drive our vehicles we are sending pollutants into the air, and every year the average Canadian produces about five tonnes of personal greenhouse gasses," says Marina Whelan, manager of the health hazards program at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. "Those big numbers tell us that there is plenty that we can do as individuals to reduce our own emissions and make a difference, both for the environment and our health."

Smog is formed when heat and sunlight react with gases and fine particles in the air.

While smog most often occurs on hot days, the mixture of pollutants in the air affects health year round. In 2005 the Ontario Medical Association estimated that more than 200 premature deaths and more than 2000 emergency room visits in Simcoe Muskoka were attributable to poor air quality.

Poor air quality can cause difficulty breathing, chest tightness and coughing, headache, eye, nose and throat irritation and aggravate respiratory disease like asthma. Some groups, including those with lung disease and heart conditions, seniors and people with asthma, may be more vulnerable to the negative health effects of air pollution.

"If we want to reduce smog we need to reduce our energy consumption and that means conserving energy at home, getting out of our vehicles more and using small engine tools less, especially when air quality is poor," says Whelan. "Small changes can make a big difference."

Actions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions include adjusting heat and air conditioning, tuning off lights when not being used, avoiding letting vehicles idle, and walk, cycle, car pool or use public transit to go to work.

There are also many simple home improvements that help reduce emissions, including sealing all leaks around doors, windows and cracks where heat escapes, replacing inefficient appliances, using cold water for washing clothes and letting dishes air-dry rather than using the dishwasher's drying cycle.

For more information on smog and your health and for ways to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, check www.simcoemuskoka health.org or call

Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721- 7520, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.