PHX Reporter

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing an Ozone High Pollution Advisory (HPA) for Maricopa County for Thursday, July 18 and Friday, July 19, 2024. This advisory results from anticipated ozone levels expected to exceed the federal health standard.

Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from vehicles, gasoline and diesel equipment, industrial processes, and other everyday activities react with sunlight. These emissions are more reactive to sunlight during spring and summer months.

Ozone pollution affects all county residents but poses a greater risk to children due to their developing lungs and higher likelihood of outdoor activity. Adults with asthma or other lung diseases and older adults are also sensitive to ozone. The public is advised to limit outdoor activities while the HPA is in effect.

ADEQ and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) recommend several measures to reduce ozone pollution:

- Promote remote work to reduce traffic.

- Carpool, vanpool, or use public transportation.

- Avoid long drive-thru lines by parking and going inside.

- Ride a bike or walk instead of driving.

- Sweep instead of using leaf blowers.

- Refuel vehicles after dark or during cooler evening hours.

- Use low-VOC or water-based paints and finishes.

- Delay painting projects until advisories have passed.

- Properly seal containers of household cleaners and chemicals.

Additional restrictions during this advisory include:

- Prohibition on wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, etc., including those with burn permits.

- Government employees and contractors are prohibited from operating leaf blowers; residents are encouraged not to use them as well.

- Avoidance of off-road vehicle use.

For further information on reducing air pollution, visit Maricopa.gov/AQ.