A special air quality statement has been issued in Chatham-Kent, as hot and humid weather conditions are creating elevated pollution levels.
“High levels of air pollution are possible this afternoon,” officials with Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario say.
“A special air quality statement is in place due to the possibility of deteriorating air quality. Hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations this afternoon. Moderate risk AQHI values are expected throughout the day with the potential of short-term high risk AQHI values in the afternoon.”
Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath, officials say.
“Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk,” forecasters say.
“We can all help improve air quality by doing simple things, such as using public transit, reducing our driving speed and not letting our car engines idle unnecessarily.”
Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
“Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada,” officials added.
