Smog alert for Durham and Northumberland

Monday will be a smoggy day in southern Ontario.

The Ministry of the Environment has issued a smog advisory for much of the province including Durham Region and Northumberland County. The Air Quality Index in Oshawa at 7 p.m. Sunday was 33, which falls within the moderate range.

A smog advisory sends a signal that there is a strong likelihood of poor air quality within the next 24 hours.

During a time of high smog you may experience eye irritation and those suffering from heart or lung disease, including asthma, may find their conditions worsen.

The Ministry of the Environment has a few tips that you can take to help spare the air.

Travel tips - all year round:
- 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

Electricity 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

Other pollution reduction tips:
- leave lawn mowing for another day
- restrict the use of gasoline-powered equipment
- delay using oil-based paints, solvents and cleaners