Smog - cleaner air begins at home - Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
by Dr. Charles Gardner, Simcoe Muskoka Medical Officer of Health

We hear about poor air quality or climate change (global warming) on the news or in conversations quite often these days. Both issues are closely related and both have negative affects on our health and our environment.

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) estimated that in Simcoe Muskoka in 2005, 211 premature deaths and 2,052 emergency trips to hospitals were linked to air pollution. Their 2005 report, "The Illness Costs of Air Pollution" estimated that air pollution contributes to 5,940 premature deaths across the province.

Smog is a mixture of air pollutants- the two main ingredients being groundlevel ozone and fine particulate matter- that hang over communities, especially on warm summer days. Smog is created when fossil fuels are burned to run motor vehicles and generate electricity.

These are the same sources that contribute to greenhouse gases.

Some people are more vulnerable to the ill effects of poor air quality. Active children breathe more rapidly to fuel their growing bodies, and as a result they are more vulnerable to longterm exposure that can cause lung damage and hamper lung growth.

Poor air quality can worsen conditions like asthma, emphysema, allergies and heart disease in older adults and people with an existing health conditions.

Others who are sensitive to smog include pregnant women, the elderly, smokers and people who work or exercise outdoors. Warning signs that smog may be adversely affecting your health include mild breathing difficulties; chest tightness and coughing; headaches; eye, nose, and throat irritation; low energy and the aggravation of existing respiratory diseases like asthma or emphysema.

The issue of poor air quality and global warming can seem overwhelming. However, individual emissions account for more than 25 per cent of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions, which means that we can make a difference in air quality.

First we can take a look at our dependence on vehicles. Use public transportation when possible, carpool, and walk or bike more. If you do own a vehicle, keep it well tuned, tires properly inflated and avoid unnecessary idling. Combine errands into one journey rather than making several trips.

Look at ways to conserve energy at home and at work. Adjusting thermostats in winter and summer, replacing old light bulbs with new compact fluorescent light bulbs, replacing furnace filters bimonthly, using dishwasher only when full and turning off lights, computer, and televisions when not in use will reduce energy consumption and save money.

Using cold water rather than hot water for laundry, reducing the number of drying cycles and hanging clothes to dry when possible are other ways of conserving energy. Replace a low efficiency furnace with a high efficiency furnace and when your appliances need replaced, look for more energy efficient models. Don't refuel your vehicle or lawn mower on Smog Advisory days and avoid mowing your lawn when air quality is poor.

Use your vehicle as little as possible and practice more energy conservation measures when the air quality is poor.

You can also advocate for better air by asking your municipal government for 'health promoting' policies such as sidewalks, cycle lanes, green initiatives and idle-free zones.

For more information about poor air quality and your health call Your Health Connection 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) or visit our website at www.simcoemuskokahealth. org.