Issued: 4:43 PM EDT Tuesday 14 June 2022 by Environment and Climate Change Canada
Special Air Quality Statement issued for:
Chatham-Kent - Rondeau Park
Goderich - Bluewater - Southern Huron County
Rodney - Shedden - Western Elgin County
Sarnia - Petrolia - Western Lambton County
Saugeen Shores - Kincardine - Southern Bruce County
St. Thomas - Aylmer - Eastern Elgin County
Watford - Pinery Park - Eastern Lambton County
Windsor - Leamington - Essex County
Wingham - Blyth - Northern Huron County
High levels of air pollution are possible Wednesday. A special air quality statement is in place due to the possibility of deteriorating air quality. Wednesday's hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations in the area. Moderate risk AQHI values are expected throughout Wednesday 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. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk. Children, including teenagers, are at higher risk from outdoor air pollution because they often spend time being active outdoors. Young people are more likely to have asthma and their lungs are still developing. People with cardiovascular disease can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate the disease leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits. If you are experiencing symptoms, such as coughing or throat irritation, consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous outdoor activities until the special air quality statement is lifted.
Exposure to air pollution is particularly a health concern for people with heart or breathing problems, those with diabetes, children and the elderly. Avoiding the use of gas powered equipment, such as lawnmowers, also helps reduce outdoor air pollution. 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.
Issued by Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario
