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News Release

For immediate release
May 6, 2003

ONTARIO EXPANDS SMOG ADVISORY PROGRAM
More Air Quality Information Available to Protect Public Health

TORONTO — The Ontario government continues to improve the public’s access to air quality information thanks to the opening of a new air monitoring station and an increase in the number of times a day the provincial Air Quality Index (AQI) is reported, Environment Minister Chris Stockwell announced today.

“We have recently opened a new air monitoring station in Belleville, bringing the number of stations in our provincial AQI network to 37,” Stockwell said. “We have also increased the number of times a day we report the AQI from six to seven.”

Through the AQI network, the province monitors air quality and provides daily public reports. This year, from May through September when levels of ozone and fine particulate are elevated due to summer heat, the AQI will be reported every other hour between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. As well, the province has increased its AQI reporting on weekends and holidays, during May through September, from four times daily to seven.

“These improvements help the people of Ontario to make informed decisions to protect their health and the health of their families,” Stockwell said.

The Air Quality Index is a rating scale based on hourly readings of the most common smog pollutants. Last August, the province added fine particulate matter to the AQI. Fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, is the term used to describe a mixture of microscopic particles and liquid droplets, including: aerosols, smoke, fumes, dust and pollen. Health professionals link fine particulate matter, as well as other smog pollutants, to a number of cardio-respiratory health effects.

“The addition of PM2.5 to our AQI makes Ontario the first province in Canada to include this pollutant in its smog notification system,” Stockwell said. “This initiative is an important part of this government’s work to provide cleaner air for the people of Ontairo.”

For further information on air quality in Ontario, please visit www.airqualityontario.com.

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Contact:
Diana Arajs
Minister’s Office
(416) 314-6736

John Steele
Ministry of the Environment
Communications Branch
(416) 314-6666