Environment Canada issues Special Air Quality Statement for Kingston area

Environment Canada has issued a Special Air Quality Statement for the Kingston area, warning of the possibility of deteriorating air quality.

“Hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations this afternoon in the… region. Moderate risk AQHI (Air Quality Health Index) values are possible throughout this afternoon with the potential of short-term high-risk AQHI values for a couple of hours,” the statement reads.

Environment Canada issued the statement around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Apr. 14, 2023, and warns that individuals may experience increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. The weather agency cautioned that 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,” the weather agency stated, “Exposure to air pollution is particularly a health concern for people with heart or breathing problems, those with diabetes, children and the elderly.”