Smog
- What is smog?
- What NPRI pollutants contribute to the formation of smog?
- Where can I find out more about smog-forming pollutants in my area?
- How does smog affect the environment?
- How does smog affect human health?
- Related Sites
What is smog?
Smog is the mixture of many air pollutants that can often be seen as a haze in the air. Smog is generally formed when weather and temperature conditions combine to trap smog-forming pollutants close to the earth.
What NPRI pollutants contribute to the formation of smog?
The two main components of smog are ground-level ozone and certain types of particles in the air (particulates). Ground-level ozone is produced naturally, however, higher concentrations of ground-level ozone occur when certain pollutants react together in strong sunlight and stagnant air.
The following NPRI substances are major contributors to the formation of smog: oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, sulphur oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter (PM, PM2.5 or PM10), ammonia.
Where can I find out more about smog-forming pollutants in my area?
The NPRI can be a major starting point for information about pollution in your area.
You can use the NPRI search engine to find out air emissions of smog-forming pollutants from facilities that reported to the NPRI starting from 2002:
- Enter your postal code or select your community name;
- From the list of pollutants/substances, select the one of interest OR from the list of environmental and health issues, select "smog pollutants";
- Click on the "Search" button to get your search results.
Depending on what is being released in the area you have selected, you may also see an extra table that shows how much of each smog-forming pollutant was estimated to be emitted in your area in 2000.
How does smog affect the environment?
For more information on the environmental risks and issues associated with smog, visit Environment Canada's Clean Air Online Web site.
How does smog affect human health?
For more information on the health risks and issues associated with smog, visit Environment Canada's Clean Air Online Web site.
