Environment Canada has ended an Air Quality Statement for parts of Ontario.
The statement was issued Tuesday morning for for London-Middlesex, Elgin County, Chatham-Kent, Huron County, and Perth County on Tuesday. Similar statements were issued for Sarnia-Lambton and Windsor-Essex on Monday. According to the national weather agency, elevated ozone levels were expected Tuesday and possibly Wednesday afternoon. Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values could go from moderate to high risk during these times.
The statement was lifted late Tuesday afternoon.
Anyone who suffers from a lung disease, such as asthma or COPD could be more severely affected by the increasing air pollution. This can lead to an uptick in medication use and visits to hospitals or family physicians. People who work or exercise outdoors could also experience some difficulty breathing due to the air quality issues.
When air quality is poor, Environment Canada recommends those at risk reduce or reschedule any strenuous outdoor activities. Children and the elderly should also minimize their activity.
People who are sensitive to air pollution may experience irritated eyes, increased mucus in the nose or throat, coughing and difficulty breathing.
The deteriorating air quality comes as the region deals with its second week of hot and humid conditions that have prompted a heat warning.
