The Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services has issued a smog alert for today, Sunday and Monday, urging children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases to limit exertion when outside.

        The department issues an alert when conditions are ideal for unhealthy levels of smog. The air quality index Friday afternoon was 114 parts per billion, which officials consider to be in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range.

        Smog is caused when sunlight bakes air pollutants.

        Limiting pollution, especially by decreasing car use, can reduce smog, said Sarah Brugger, spokeswoman for the county environmental agency.

        Officials also recommend conserving electricity, using gas-powered lawnmowers after 6 p.m. and refueling cars after dusk.

        This is the second smog alert of the year in Greater Cincinnati. The first was issued in June.

        The smog season is typically from the end of April to October. Last year there were seven smog alerts for Greater Cincinnati.

        “So far this year it's been kind of quiet,” Ms. Brugger said.

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