HAMILTON — The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has extended an Air Quality Alert through Wednesday for Butler, Hamilton, Warren and Clermont counties in Ohio, along with Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky and Dearborn County, Indiana. The agency says ozone levels are expected to reach the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category on the Air Quality Index. People can help reduce ozone pollution by limiting driving, carpooling, walking, biking or using public transportation. Drivers are also encouraged to refuel after 8 p.m., avoid topping off gas tanks and not let vehicles idle. Residents are also asked to avoid using gasoline-powered lawn equipment, oil-based paints and stains, and to postpone campfires, fire pits and charcoal grilling until the alert expires. Conserving electricity by turning off lights and unplugging unused electronics can also help reduce pollution levels. Children, older adults and people with asthma or other respiratory conditions should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity during the alert.

(Editor's Note: AI-Assisted Copy)