The city’s medical officer of health issued a smog advisory for Ottawa Thursday, for at least the next 24 hours, based on information from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Smog can irritate the lungs, eyes, nose and throat and cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. People, especially seniors, children and those with breathing difficulties or heart and lung conditions, should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Smog episodes are more prevalent during the May to September period.
As part of its Smog Action Plan, Ottawa Public Health is monitoring the weather forecasts for heat and smog, notifying service providers and media when dangerous levels are forecast, and offering protective and proactive advice on how to deal with these summer conditions.
