UPDATE: NOACA has extended the advisory through Tuesday, June 18.

An Air Quality Advisory for ground level ozone has been issued for Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties.

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, which issued the advisory, said it will be effective through Monday, June 17. This is at least the third such advisory for the region in under a month.

Air quality levels will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and those with breathing difficulties. 

According to the agency, the effect of ozone depends on where it lies in the atmosphere. Ground ozone is most likely to reach dangerous levels on hot, sunny days. This is because it is created when pollutants emitted by cars and power plants react in the presence of sunlight, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

To minimize effects:

• Drive less
• Do not idle vehicles
• Refill gas tanks after sunset
• Wait for grass to grow longer before mowing the lawn
• Monitor airnow.gov for ozone levels in your area

Alton Northup is editor-in-chief. Contact him at [email protected].