It's the kind of weather that takes your breath away. Literally. Toronto is heating up to the broiling high 20s and low 30s over the next few days in a preview of our coming summer simmer. But there's another byproduct of the glorious conditions - the not-so-glorious smog. Toronto is in sitting in the middle of its
fourth smog day this month and if you're expecting it to end anytime soon, don't hold your breath. Or maybe you should try. Experts fear it could be the latest in what's promising to be a long, hot and potentially deadly season.
As many as 1,700 people in the GTA die every year from smog-related causes and up to 6,000 are sent to hospital. Those who are very young, very old or have
respiratory problems suffer the most. And exerting yourself in this weather may be an exercise in futility.
The Ministry of the Environment has issued a
smog advisory that will remain in effect at least until Thursday, and could well be extended. So after a long, cold winter, is it worth the tradeoff - hot weather for smog? "I think that just reminds us that we need to be thinking about global warming and what we need to do to make positive change for the environment. But the warm weather, I can handle," laughs a sun worshipper named Kris.
"It would be better to have the warmer weather because everybody's in a better mood than to be in the cold and have smog reduced," suggests Zack.
But new dad Jesse wonders if that's true. "I'm having a kid now. I'm noticing he burns quickly and I burn quickly. Looking maybe to relocate somewhere that doesn't suffer from so much smog."
Air quality in the GTA is expected to approach the
50 mark - the point at which it's called 'poor'. The levels are expected to build as the hot air takes hold and seals all those
dangerous chemicals
in.
Still, some are ignoring the threat as best as they can. Nico Fiorentino is tooling around the city in a convertible - with the top down, of course. "I get more tanned in my car than walking around," he laughs.
Some people lounged on a patio soaking in the rays. And there were those who literally hit the roof. They were on a rooftop garden (top left) on Richmond St. W., far above it all and likely warmer than the rest - you know what they say about hot air rising. "It's great to come up and relax and get your mind off the hustle and bustle of the city," relates Mike Larkin as he sits on a lawn chair. The roof greenery has an added bonus, keeping the building below it cooler. "It actually provides a blanket essentially over the roof membrane and so it helps with both heating and cooling in this section of the building," explains Erin MacKeen of
401 Richmond.
But it doesn't clear the air for those heading outdoors. Only Mother Nature will do that. And she's going to take her time making it happen.
Find out what the current air quality readings in your area are
What can you do? Take it easy outside, limit your exposure, try not to exercise in the heat and pollution and use sunscreen to protect against the high UV.
And check out other ways to protect yourself.
CityNews Weather
-
During a smog advisory, there are a number of actions that you can take to help spare the air:
Travel tips:
-
- Leave your car at home - walk, cycle, carpool or take public transit
- Tele-conference instead of driving to meetings
- Limit car trips by doing all your errands at once, and do not let your engine idle
- Keep your car well tuned, check your tire pressure and drive at moderate speeds
Health tips:
- Avoid exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes
- Consult your doctor for specific health advice
- Wear light clothing at work while air conditioning is reduced
- Avoid strenuous exercise in the heat of the day
Energy saving tips:
- Save electricity at home by setting your air conditioner temperature a few degrees higher (health permitting) and turning
off lights you are not using
- Leave lawn mowing for another day
- Restrict the use of gasoline-powered equipment
Courtesy Air Quality Ontario