Ground-level ozone – one of the key ingredients in smog – acts as an irritant in the lungs and respiratory system. Inflammation of the air passages can persist for up to 18 hours after exposure and can cause coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest. Some people may also experience watery eyes, headaches, impaired vision, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
While there is a significant variation in individual sensitivities, people who are most susceptible may suffer symptoms after only one or two hours outdoors.
What to do when you hear an alert
The following are some simple precautions you can take to reduce your exposure to smog and its potential health effects:
- Share the news:
Not everybody listens to the news or tunes in to the local weather forecasts. Tell your neighbours, colleagues and family about a smog alert. Discuss your concerns about smog with other people, including your children, and pass along these common-sense safety tips.
- Watch your children carefully:
Youngsters tend to be more sensitive than adults are, because their developing lungs work harder and because, in summer, children spend more time outdoors being physically active. Reduce your children's exposure by encouraging outdoor activities early in the day when pollutant levels are lower. When smog levels are high, have them play indoors.
- Stay inside as much as possible,
especially in late afternoon and early evening. Those at greatest risk – asthmatics, the elderly, people suffering from respiratory or cardiac conditions and people who are more sensitive to ozone or other chemical pollutants – should try to limit their time outdoors in order to reduce their risk of exposure to ozone. Try to stay in a place that is cool and moist.
- Try not to overexert yourself:
Even healthy people should avoid strenuous outdoor exercise or work, especially during the afternoon and early evening when ground-level ozone levels are at their highest.
- Avoid jogging and other exercise near heavy traffic areas, especially during rush hour, to minimize your exposure to pollution from motor vehicles.
- Contact your doctor or local clinic if at any time you experience characteristic symptoms of pollutant exposure – such as tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
For more information contact Public Health at 519-352-7270 or online at CKhealth@chatham-kent.ca