UPDATE: Environment Canada ended the smog and air health advisory for Sarnia-Lambton shortly before 10pm.
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Environment Canada has issued a smog and air health advisory for Sarnia-Lambton.
The weather agency says high levels of air pollution are expected on Friday. A smog and air health advisory is in effect due to deteriorating air quality.
High AQHI values will be present for more than three hours.
Individuals may experience symptoms like 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 or someone in your care develop symptoms, reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoors activities where ever possible until the air quality improves.
People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits.
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.
Older adults may be more affected by air pollution exposure, possibly because they are more likely to have pre-existing lung and cardiovascular disease.
Active people of all ages who exercise or work outdoors are at increased risk to the health effects posed by air pollution. Be air aware and know the best times to be active outdoors by using the AQHI to plan your day.
For further information visit the website www.airqualityontario.com or contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change at 416-314-6666.
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.
