The city of Montreal is appealing to the public to help ease winter smog.

A smog alert was issued Monday, primarily affecting the city's east end.

The major culprits are wood burning stoves and fireplaces -- 48% of smog is caused by wood-burning.

Montreal Executive Committee member Alan DeSousa wants Montrealers to find other ways to heat their homes.

Another other major culprit is all those idling vehicles -- idling produces more emissions per minute than driving at average speeds.

The smog is a health concern, especially for elderly people with respiratory diseases.

Hampstead takes action

The town of Hamsptead recently took action against smog.

The town passed a law banning all wood-burning appliances.