Toronto, June 12 (IANS): Canadian government officials has said there were high levels of pollution in the air in parts of southwestern Ontario.

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

"A special air quality statement is in place due to the possibility of deteriorating air quality. Hot and sunny conditions are expected to cause increasing ground-level ozone concentrations this afternoon in the above regions," said the statement.

Officials said individuals may experience symptoms such as 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," the statement said.

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