The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is warning that air quality is poorer than usual due to the high summer temperatures.

While getting out and splashing around sounds like an ideal way to beat the heat, doctors say the poor air quality could pose a risk to those with lung disease.

"The air is dry, it's hot, it can exacerbate lung illnesses," Dr. Sanjeev Rao explains. He says the combination of hot weather and poor air quality will bring in patients with shortness of breath and other complications, which will need treatment. "We will have to give them asthma treatments with albuterol, sometimes fluid."

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Rao says those with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should make it an indoor day.

"Stay away from working outside, stay away from just hanging out at the beach for too long," he recommends.

Residents who went to Lake Mohegan Tuesday say they were more concerned with the temperature than with the air quality, but some decided to make it a short day in the sun out of precaution.

The state DEEP defines an ozone air quality index over 100 as "unhealthy for sensitive groups." On Tuesday, the index ranged from 108 to 112 across Fairfield County.

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