Air Quality & Health Issues
Smog is a mix of chemicals composed primarily of ground-level ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM) which is emitted from our tailpipes. Unlike ozone that is high in the atmosphere which protects us from harmful UV rays, ground-level ozone is a harmful irritant that negatively affects our health, air quality and ecosystems. It is created when Volatile Organic Compounds and NOx (Nitrogen Oxides), both released from burning fossil fuels, during transport and the generation of electricity for examples. They also lead to acid rain. PM is a mixture of tiny liquids and solids, particles so tiny that they can wreak havoc on our bodies by entering the blood stream from our lungs.
Side effects may include:
Irritation in eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue, headaches, nausea, damaged lung, cardiovascular and brain tissue, and possibly Alzheimer's disease. An estimated 16,000 premature deaths in Canada are linked to poor air quality. Children, seniors and those with pre-existing lung disease are most vulnerable.
In Nova Scotia, we may not experience smog as badly as Toronto or Tokyo, but we don't ever want to get to that stage! A major contributor to smog is the transportation sector, so it's a great excuse to conserve fuel and reduce emissions.
Check out the Air Quality Health Index rating in your community
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