Unhealthy air quality forecast for New London County

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is expecting unhealthy air quality on Saturday for sensitive groups, such as active children and adults with asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Areas of concern in the state are New London, Fairfield, Middlesex and New Haven counties. DEEP expects high concentration of ground-level ozone pollution, which is created by reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in sunlight.

Electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust and industrial facilities are among the major sources of oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds.

Officials say people can help by limiting electricity use, waiting until 8 p.m. to use energy intensive appliances, driving less, telecommuting when possible and refueling after dusk.