The average adult breathes about 15,000 litres of air per day. If that air is polluted it can affect our health.
Air pollution creates smog and acid rain, and when pollutants fall in rain or snow, our water becomes polluted, while air emissions from greenhouse gases are linked to climate change.
People can cause air pollution in many ways: by burning fossil fuels for transportation and heating, through industrial processes, and by using chemicals. Since we all add to air pollution, we also have the power to reduce it.
Ontario has already taken a big step towards cleaning our air by becoming the first jurisdiction in North America to phase out coal-fired electricity. There are easy things YOU can do so that we can all breathe a little easier.
Eco Bulletins
Drive Clean
Cars are a major source of air pollution, but proper maintenance can reduce the harmful pollutants in car exhaust. Ontario’s Drive Clean program helps keep our air clean by requiring emissions tests for older passenger vehicles. Do you need to test your vehicle? Learn about whether you need a test and where to get a Drive Clean test when you need one.
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Follow Ontario’s Drive Clean regulations to reduce your car’s harmful emissions. |
Smog Alerts
Poor air quality caused by smog and pollution can affect your health and your enjoyment of the outdoors. Let’s say it’s hot and humid day and your son, who has asthma, has a soccer game at 6 o’clock. Or maybe you have a heart condition and you plan to go for your regular afternoon. Did you know you can get a forecast of today’s air quality in your inbox, to help you plan a healthy day? The Smog Alert Network is an email notification service that provides advanced warning that poor air quality may be on its way.
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Planning an outdoor activity? Sign up for the Smog Alert Network to stay informed about smog conditions in your community. |
Know today’s air quality
To help protect Ontarians from the adverse effects of air pollution, the Ministry of the Environment has implemented the Air Quality Index, so you know the air quality for your community, right now.
See all at transportation tips
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Help keep our air healthy. Carpool to work tomorrow. |
