TORONTO, June 26 /CNW/ - Given that 28 smog days have already been

recorded so far this year, Ontario’s physicians are asking people to

understand the impact smog can have on their health and to take appropriate

measures to stay healthy during smog alerts.

“Heat and humidity increase the risk that our breathing will be affected

by smog,” said Dr. Janice Willett, President of the Ontario Medical

Association (OMA). “Physicians treat patients every day suffering smog-related

illnesses, so we’re urging people to take preventative measures.”

Smog, a complex mixture of pollutants, often covers large areas of

Ontario, so even those who live outside of cities and industrial centres are

not immune to its dangers. Smog has a wide range of health impacts ranging

from minor irritations of the eyes and throat, to serious breathing distress

and even cardiac arrest.

Here are a few quick tips on how to avoid the dangers of smog:

- Plan to reduce your exposure by getting informed about when smog

levels are highest and watching for smog advisories.

- Reduce strenuous activities when smog is at its worst.

- As smog often coincides with heat, drink lots of fluid to stay

hydrated.

- If you are enjoying an outdoor activity, take lots of rest-breaks.

- If you have a cardiac or respiratory condition that makes you

especially vulnerable to the effects of smog, staying in a cool,

clean, air-conditioned environment may be appropriate.

- If you do not have access to an air-conditioned environment, find a

shaded area away from traffic.

- Know your limits and pay attention to how you are feeling.

“Children and the elderly are the most sensitive to smog

related-illnesses, but anyone can become ill if they don’t take appropriate

precautions during smoggy weather,” said Dr. Willett. “We don’t want people to

alter their lives dramatically during a smog alert, but listen to what your

body is telling you and adjust your physical activity accordingly.”

2007 is currently on track with Ontario’s smoggiest year yet, which was

2005, when the province recorded 60 smog days. So far this year there have

been 28 smog days, according to the Ministry of the Environment’s Air Quality

Index.

Please see the OMA Smog Myths & Health Realities fact sheet to find out

more about smog.

Smog Myths and Health Realities

Smog Myth No.1 - Smog only affects asthmatics and those suffering from

other major respiratory conditions.

Health Reality - Smog can affect everyone. Certain groups of people are

at a greater health risk including children, seniors, people with preexisting

lung and heart conditions and people who work and exercise outdoors. Although

smog makes asthmatics and others with respiratory conditions ill every year,

smog-related deaths are more often the result of cardiac causes than

respiratory ones. This is of particular concern because many people with heart

conditions are not aware of them, or that they are more vulnerable to smog.

Smog Myth No.2 - As long as there is no Smog Alert, it is perfectly safe

for everyone.

Health Reality - Smog advisories or alerts are usually issued by the

Ministry of the Environment when high smog levels are expected to persist over

a large area. As there is no threshold for smog’s health impact, such alerts

cannot be fully protective of those in the population who are most vulnerable.

Many asthmatics, for instance, feel the impact of pollution at levels well

below the smog alert level.

Smog Myth No.3 - Since running the air conditioner will contribute to

pollution, everyone should turn theirs off.

Health Reality - Although air conditioners do contribute to smog and

shouldn’t be abused, they are also an important defence against the combined

effects of heat, allergens and pollution. If you have a known cardiac or

respiratory condition, are young or elderly or are suffering the effects of

dirty air, getting into a cool, clean environment is recommended.

Smog Myth No.4 - If it’s smoggy, all sporting events and outdoor

activities should be cancelled.

Health Reality - In most cases the benefits of physical activity outweigh

the dangers of smog for healthy adults and children alike. Use your common

sense, monitor your activities and those of your family. Reduce your exertion,

schedule rest breaks and stay hydrated, but pay special attention to those

with pre-existing health conditions. Toning down outdoor activities may be

appropriate in the smog, eliminating them altogether is seldom necessary.

Generally speaking, rescheduling strenuous activities to earlier in the day

when the pollution levels are lower is also a good option.

Please see a physician if you are unsure of your health, or need advice

on how to manage a pre-existing medical condition.

For further information: OMA Media Relations at (416) 340-2862 or toll-free at

1-800-268-7215

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