June 10, 2001

A Smog Alert has been issued by Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment on the eve of Toronto’s Smog Summit.

(Toronto, ON) The Alert, formally called a “Smog Watch”, forecasts a greater than 50% chance that pollution concentrations will reach the “Poor Air” designation in parts of Ontario on Tuesday, June 12. 

The Poor Air is forecast for much of southwestern Ontario, and includes most of the coastlines of Lakes Huron and Erie as well as Windsor, Sarnia, London, and the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

For other parts of the province, the air quality forecast is for “Moderate” pollution, but medical studies have shown that these smog concentrations can also prove dangerous.

“Smog alerts should be of concern to us all,” said John Wellner of Pollution Probe, “But there are many people who get sick before smog concentrations reach what the Ministry of the Environment calls the “Poor Air” level. 

Those most vulnerable to smog pollutants include infants, children, the elderly, anyone with asthma, other lung problems or a heart condition, and those who work outside.

Most smog alerts are issued when the forecast is for hot and hazy weather, with temperatures around 30 degrees.  Ground-level ozone (the key smog gas) is photochemical.  On hot and sunny days, emissions from tailpipes, smokestacks and oil-based solvents and cleaners, cook in the atmosphere and form high concentrations of this dangerous gas.

“If you, your children or elderly parents are vulnerable to the effects of smog, take extra precautions when the weather forecast calls for it to be hot and sunny,” said Wellner.  “Smog can be dangerous if there is an official smog alert or not.  There is no reason to panic, just stay cool and avoid strenuous activities.  Smog is generally at its worst in mid to late afternoon, so plan your day accordingly. ”  

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For additional information contact John Wellner at Pollution Probe

Telephone:  416-926-1907 (ext. 236)