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Air Quality Alert issued over high Ozone levels

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If you're going to be outside on Wednesday, you're going to need to take extra precaution. An Air Quality Alert has been issued for WNY.

The alert also affects NYC Metro and Long Island.

The state DEC and Department of Health issued the alert for 11am through 11pm Wednesday due to high Ozone levels. Ground level Ozone, not to be confused with the Ozone in the upper atmosphere, is created through automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources.

On days with high ozone, the American Lung Association gave Erie and Niagara County an F for the quality of air. Buffalo however did make the Cleanest U.S. Cities for Short-term Particle Pollution list.

If you exercise, work or play outdoors, you should consider limited any strenuous activity, especially when ozone levels are highest (generally in the afternoon to early evening). This also applies to young children and those with respiratory diseases like asthma.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing, consult a doctor.