Air quality advisory issued for Friday

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Starting Friday at 11 a.m., western New York will be under an air quality advisory because of high levels of ozone.

The advisory stretches until 11 p.m. Friday evening. Those with asthma and other respiratory diseases should limit outdoor activity.

Below is information on what causes ozone and precautions to take from the NYS DEC:
Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground level ozone a major component of smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary causes of ground level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). 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.

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.