Government issues air quality alert for parts of southwestern Ontario

WINDSOR, Ont. – Government officials say there are high levels of pollution in the air in parts of southwestern Ontario.

Environment Canada and the Ontario environment ministry have issued a special air quality statement for Windsor, Essex and Chatham-Kent.

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They say people may experience symptoms like coughing, headaches, throat irritation or shortness of breath.

Officials say children, the elderly and people with cardiovascular or lung disease are especially at risk.

They recommend that, while pollution levels are high, people avoid breathing in vehicle exhaust fumes, and avoid doing strenuous activity in the heat.