The air quality index hit 103 this afternoon in downtown Hamilton, more than double the level registered at any point this year. High levels were also recorded at the Mountain and Hamilton West air monitoring stations. Anything over 100 is described in the provincial measuring system as "very poor".

The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) identified the major pollutant as fine particulate matter. For levels over 100 the Ministry issues the warning that serious respiratory effects can occur even during light physical activity. Children, the elderly and people with heart disease are at high risk under such conditions and there is increased risk for general population. 

The air problems were specific to the Hamilton area. No other southern Ontario community scored higher than 44 today on the index. The province issued a smog advisory only for Hamilton. It is forecasting poor air conditions tomorrow, but again only for Hamilton. For more information visit the MOE air quality website at http://www.airqualityontario.com/reports/summary.cfm.