KAWARTHA LAKES-A Special Air Quality Statement has been issued by Environment Canada for our area due to the possibility of deteriorating air quality.
Officials say hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations this afternoon in the Lindsay and southern Kawartha Lakes area as well as York, Durham and Toronto.
Moderate-risk Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values are possible throughout this afternoon with the potential of short-term high-risk AQHI values for a couple of hours. 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. 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. Be air aware!
Check your local weather forecasts and alerts so you know when to take extra care. 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.
