Helping Mississauga Breathe Easier

Air pollution occurs year round and affects our health, the environment and the local economy. The most persistent air quality issue in Ontario is smog. Protecting and improving local air quality in the community is a priority for the City of Mississauga. We are committed to doing our part to help residents breathe easier by taking special actions that make the air we breathe safer.

What is the City’s response to smog?

One of the City’s actions to improve air quality is a response to provincial smog advisories (or alerts) when the air quality falls below acceptable health standards. A Corporate Smog Alert Response Plan has been developed to:

• Reduce, minimize or eliminate harmful air contaminants, greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy during smog alerts
• Inform residents and employees of the potential health threat and what steps can be taken to reduce risk

What is smog?

Smog is visible as a brownish-yellow haze in the air. Smog forms when ground level ozone and fine airborne particles mix with sunlight.

What is a smog alert?

A Smog Alert or Air Quality Advisory is issued by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment when air pollution reaches dangerous levels affecting human health. To see today’s Air Quality visit www.airqualityontario.com

Why is smog harmful to our health?

Smog has many harmful effects on humans:

• causes eye, nose and throat irritation
• causes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath
• causes difficult breathing conditions and is especially harmful to those with asthma
• lowers resistance to infections

What are the sources of smog pollutants?

• gasoline and diesel vehicles
• factories, industrial boilers, power plants, homes and businesses
• oil based paints, solvents and cleaners
• pesticides and herbicides
• gas or diesel powered lawn mowers
• road paving and construction

What can I do during a smog alert?

• leave your car at home and reduce vehicle emissions by walking, riding your bike, carpooling or using public transit
• reduce energy consumption
• refuel your car before sunrise and after sunset when the air is cooler
• decrease the use of gas or diesel powered machines
• leave mowing the lawn and barbecuing for a non-smog alert day
• avoid strenuous outdoor exercise