An air quality health advisory will be in effect Sunday due to elevated levels of ozone for parts of New York State

An air quality health advisory will be in effect Sunday due to elevated levels of ozone for parts of New York State.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued the advisory for Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming, Monroe, Ontario, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Orleans and Niagara counties from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for ozone.

Summer heat - temperatures are expected to be more than 90 degrees across the region on Sunday - can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast.

The air quality index, or AQI, was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern.

When pollution levels are elevated the state Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects.

People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure.

Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor.

New Yorkers are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

* use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;

* conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;

* turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;

* use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;

* close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;

* limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;

* set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;

* purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and

* reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.

The Sunday, June 17, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of the following: Region 2 New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Westchester, and Rockland counties, Region 3 Lower Hudson Valley, which includes Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange and Putnam counties, Region 6 Eastern Lake Ontario, which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, and Wayne counties, and Region 8 Western New York, which includes Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming, Erie, Genesee, Orleans and Niagara counties.

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For additional information, visit the state Department of Environmental Conservation website at, https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi, or call the Air Quality Hotline at 800-535-1345.