Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Institutional links
Outdoor Air
This content was archived on June 24, 2013.
Archived Content
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.
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.
Smog Alert! Emissions from traffic and industry smokestacks all carry a mixture of air pollutants that can seep into your home and affect the quality of your indoor air.
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
