In fact, SMOG can also have adverse health consequences for Ontario residents who are normally quite healthy. The department has partnered with various local municipalities and agencies to develop a SMOG Alert Response Plan. The plan has two primary focuses. One focus is aimed at staff activities, and suggests strategies for car pooling, reducing car idling time and working from home. Another focus is aimed at corporations and agencies and suggests strategies such as suspending or reducing road paving, pesticide spraying, use of gasoline powered equipment, solvents or oil based paints and street sweeping.
Compliance is voluntary.
This spring and summer, SMOG Advisories and Watches, issued by the Ministry of the Environment, will be forwarded to regional and municipal public works departments and agencies. As we move through SMOG season, each alert will contain different information about SMOG and what can be done to reduce its harmful health and environmental effects.