Health Effects of Air Pollution
Toronto Public Health released a study estimating that five common air pollutants contribute to about 1,700 premature deaths and 6,000 hospital admissions in Toronto each year.
The report cites studies around the world demonstrating that air pollution causes reduced lung function, asthma attacks, emergency room visits, lung cancer, high blood pressure and reduced life expectancy.
Read the summary report Air Pollution Burden of Illness in Toronto for more details and key findings.
Air Pollution and Physical Activity
 Smog affects everyone's health. But health risks may increase during high smog levels for those who play sports, exercise or work outdoors.
When you exercise, you breathe harder than normal, bringing dirty air deeper into your lungs. You also breathe mostly through your mouth, bypassing the filtering action of the nose. People who are active outdoors when smog levels are high may have difficulty performing at their best because the lungs cannot work at full capacity.
It is important to monitor your health and reduce physical activity levels during a smog alert. There are many things you can do to protect yourself while enjoying the outdoors.
Read Toronto Public Health's report Air Pollution and Physical Activity for more details and key findings.
Traffic and Health
 Vehicle exhaust - Roadway traffic is a significant source of the air pollution that affects human health in Toronto. Toronto Public Health released a report stating that traffic related air pollution contributes to about 440 premature deaths and 1,700 hospitalizations per year in Toronto. The report outlines potential solutions to reduce vehicle emissions and improve health.
Read Toronto Public Health's report Air Pollution Burden of Illness from Traffic in Toronto for more details and key findings.
Diesel exhaust - Toronto Public Health released another report related to traffic and health, specifically focused on diesel exhaust.
Read Toronto Public Health's report Estimating the Health Impact of Exposure to Diesel Exhaust in Toronto for more details and key findings.
Indoor Air Quality
Air pollution isn't only an outdoor problem. Research has shown that the air indoors can also be polluted and has been linked with a wide array of health problems. You could be breathing in the polluted air without even knowing it.
Creating a healthy indoor environment is important, especially for children who are at a higher risk for exposure to indoor contaminants.
Toronto Public Health provides information on indoor air quality.
Residential Wood Burning
Emissions from burning wood in the home can affect the air quality both indoor and outdoor. There are ways for residents and governments to substantially reduce emissions from residential wood burning.
Toronto Public Health provides tips on wood burning in your home.
Read the report Air Pollution from Wood-burning Fireplaces and Stoves for more details and key findings.
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Research shows that environmental pollution, even at low exposure levels, can have a major health impact, and that children may be more at risk. Action can be taken to protect children from being exposed to environmental pollutants.
20/20 The Way to Clean Air provides resources to residents in the Greater Toronto Area to help them reduce home energy use and vehicle use by 20 per cent.