Outdoor Air

Most Canadians recognize that poor outdoor air quality can have serious effects on their health, so it is important to prevent hazardous pollutants from infiltrating your indoor air. Keep your doors and windows closed on smoggy days, and make sure your ventilation systems and chimneys are well maintained and that any cracks in the walls and floors are sealed.

Common outdoor air pollutants include particulate matter (PM), ground-level ozone (O₃), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The Government of Canada plays a significant role in providing scientific and management leadership on various outdoor air health issues. For more information, visit Health Canada's Outdoor Air section or  Environment Canada's Clean Air Online site.

You CAN Take Action!

Follow these simple steps at home to protect yourself and your family from the health effects of outdoor air pollution:

• Keep windows closed on days when there are smog alerts.
• If you have a heart or a lung condition, talk to your doctor about additional ways to protect your health when outdoor pollution levels are high.

Where Can I Go for More Information?

Health Canada Resources

• It's Your Health: Road Traffic and Air Pollution
• It's Your Health: Smog and Your Health
• It's Your Health: Wood Smoke

Other Government of Canada Resources

•  Environment Canada