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High levels of ground level ozone will lead to an air quality alert in New Jersey from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, July 7, according to the National Weather Service.

The region will be under a “Code Orange Air Quality Action Day” as breathing outdoors will become unhealthy for some vulnerable groups of people, according to the Mount Holly station of the weather service.

The Air Quality Index for much of central and southern New Jersey, including Monmouth and Ocean counties, is predicted to be over 100 on Sunday. People with asthma, young children, elderly adults and outdoor workers are among the groups who may experience symptoms from breathing ozone-contaminated air, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Breathing ozone can lead to coughing and sore throats, pain with breathing and lung inflammation, according to the federal agency. Exposure can aggravate lung diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and lead to more frequent asthma attacks, according to the EPA.

Ground level ozone is created when sunlight, heat and pollution from gas-powered cars, factories and power plants interact. Even low levels of ground level ozone can be harmful, according to the EPA.

To limit the affects, stay indoors, avoid outdoor exercise and activity mid-day, or move activities to the early morning or evening hours, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 15 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.