I would like to know more about Toronto's air pollution, who can I call for more information?

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment monitors the quality of the air on a daily basis and provides smog warnings/advisories when the air quality index is forecasted to reach or exceed 50. You may check the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the different regions of the City of Toronto (North, West, East and Downtown) on the Ontario Ministry of the Environment's web site at www.airqualityontario.com or call their AQI hotline at 416-246-0411 for the most up to date AQI reading. Environment Canada also provides general information on air pollutants and their sources.

	How does smog/air pollution vary from location to location?
	The extent to which smog varies from location to location depends on a number of factors, including the wind direction and the amount of traffic activities. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has several air monitoring stations in the City of Toronto.

Smog alerts

	What is smog?
	A Smog Advisory (Alert) is issued by the Ministry of the Environment when smog conditions are expected to reach the poor category in Ontario (i.e., when Air Quality Index reaches or exceeds 50). The "Smog Advisory" issued by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment is the equivalent to the City of Toronto's "Smog Alert".

	Why are smog alerts issued in Toronto?
	Smog alerts are issued for Toronto for two purposes: to encourage people to take precautions to protect their health on a high smog day, and to encourage them to take action to reduce air pollution, not only on a smog alert day, but every day.

How do I know if a smog alert is in effect for Toronto?

Listen for smog conditions on the news or contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment at 416-246-0411 for the most up to date Air Quality Index (AQI) reading. A smog alert is issued when the AQI reaches or exceeds 50. The City of Toronto Air Quality Information Line also provides daily information on the smog alert status for the City. Call 416-338-SMOG (7664) for the most up-to-date information.

	How many smog (alert) days has Toronto had this year?
	Smog alert day statistics for Toronto can be found on Toronto Public Health's Web site at http://www.toronto.ca/health/airquality/smog/smog_new.htm

What is the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)?

The Air Quality Health Index is a scale that measures the health risk associated with local air pollution levels. It helps individuals make decisions to protect their health by providing information on the level of risk associated with pollution levels and identifying those at risk. Visit the Air Quality Health Index web site for answers to frequently asked questions about this new national health-based index.

What is the difference between the existing air quality index and the new Air Quality Health Index?

Despite their similar names, the Air Quality Health Index and the current Air Quality Index are two very different tools that serve different purposes, as shown in the table below: Differences Air Quality Index (Ontario) Air Quality Health Index (National Pilot) Jurisdiction Provincial – Ontario Ministry of the Environment National – Environment Canada and Health Canada Reports Air quality Health risk Pollutants Based on single highest pollutant Based on health effects of multiple pollutants Health messages Same for all populations Different for at-risk versus general population Scale An AQI scale of 0 to 100+ An AQHI scale of 1 to 10+

Protecting yourself on a smog alert day

	What can I do to protect myself on a high pollution day?
	Try not to exert yourself outdoors. Drink lots of water and take frequent rest breaks. Read Toronto Public Health's brochures and fact sheets on smog and air quality.

Should children be playing outdoors during a smog alert?

Children spend more time outside and are more active than adults. Their exposure to air pollution is therefore higher, especially if they play in parks and school yards close to high traffic areas. During periods of poor air quality, Toronto Public Health recommends that special precautions be taken to protect children from air pollutants and extreme heat. For example, outdoor activities may be scheduled for the early morning away from high traffic areas, and the level of physical activity may be reduced. Read Toronto's Public Health's fact sheet on Playing Outdoors during Smog and Heat Alerts (PDF file size 33.6 KB). Try not to exert yourself outdoors. Drink lots of water and take frequent rest breaks

	What can I do to reduce smog and improve air quality?
	Reducing energy use can reduce smog. Find out how you can reduce your energy use and improve the air through Toronto Public Health's 20/20 The Way to Clean Air campaign. Join others in the Greater Toronto Area in reducing your energy use and vehicle use by 20 percent. Call 416-392-2020 for more information.

What is the City doing about smog and air pollution?

Toronto Public Health plays a key role in addressing the issue of air quality in Toronto. Our ongoing research on the burden of illness associated with air quality and reports to the Board of Health indicate that actions are needed to improve Toronto's air. We also work collaboratively with other City divisions, other levels of government, industry, non-governmental organizations and the community in addressing air quality issues. Find out more about what the City is doing to improve Toronto's air. 20/20 The Way to Clean Air is a campaign of Greater Toronto Area public health units, designed to provide residents in the GTA with resources to help reduce home energy use and vehicle use by 20 percent. The campaign offers a free 20/20 Planner - a practical step-by-step guide to reducing energy at home and on the road.