Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued special air quality statement s covering Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent and Sarnia as a result of smoke from wildfires burning across western Canada.

Smoke is either causing or is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility, the weather office said.

High risk air quality is expected to persist into Friday evening, at which point northerly winds should improve conditions.

The weather office is urging people to consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events and to wear a well-fitting respirator-type mask, such as a NIOSH-certified N95, if it's necessary to spend time outdoors.

Mild and common symptoms of smoke exposure include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and mild coughs.

More serious bu

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