Environment Canada and the Province of Ontario have issued a special air quality statement for the southern Kawarthas region for Friday afternoon (April 14) due to the possibility of deteriorating air quality.
The special air quality statement is in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
Hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations Friday afternoon in the above regions.
Moderate-risk Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values are possible throughout Friday 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 elderly people.
