The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is forecasting unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups on Saturday due to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone pollution for most of Connecticut except for Litchfield County.

A forecast of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” indicates increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms and breathing discomfort in active children and adults with respiratory disease, such as asthma, DEEP said in a news release.

Ground level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the major sources. Information about air quality in Connecticut, visit: http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_state&stateid=7.

When air pollution levels are predicted to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups” DEEP recommends:

· Conserving electricity by setting air conditioners to 78 degrees

· Waiting until 8 p.m. to use energy intensive appliances like washing machines, dryers and dishwashers

· Driving less by carpooling, vanpooling or using public transit

· Telecommuting

· Refueling vehicles after dusk and not idling vehicles unnecessarily